Former President Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100. The 39th president of the United States was a Georgia peanut farmer who worked to restore trust in the government when he took office in 1977 and later built a reputation for his tireless work as a humanitarian. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
Carter died Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia, more than a year after being placed in hospice care.
WATCH: Remembering former President Jimmy Carter’s extraordinary life
Carter, 52, defeated President Gerald R. Ford in the 1976 general election and became president on January 20, 1977. Carter resigned on January 20, 1981, after losing the 1980 general election to Ronald Reagan.
President Biden pays tribute to his predecessor
Amid an outpouring of responses from around the world, President Joe Biden mourned Carter’s death, saying the world had lost an “extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian” and that Carter had lost a close friend. Mr. Biden praised Mr. Carter’s compassion and moral clarity and his efforts to eradicate disease, build peace, advance civil and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and advocate for the disadvantaged. He cited it as a model for others.
Mr. Biden said he was directing Mr. Carter’s state funeral to be held in Washington.
Pelosi says Carter’s life was ‘sacred’ for his dedication to peace
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi recalled Mr. Carter as a man steeped in “a dedication to public service and peace.”
The California Democrat said in a statement Sunday that Carter was committed to “celebrating the spark of divinity in every person,” which he did by “teaching Sunday school at his beloved Marantha Baptist Church and leading the way.” This is reflected in his role as a mediator in the groundbreaking Camp David Agreement to open the United States.” For peace or to build homes with Habitat for Humanity. ”
Pelosi also said that Carter led “probably the most influential presidency in history.”
Historic accolades from Britain
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in a post on
“President Carter, driven by his strong beliefs and values, redefined the presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad,” Starmer said.
Obamas recall Carter’s Sunday service
In a statement released Sunday, former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama said that Carter’s beloved Maranatha Baptist Church “will be a little quieter on Sunday,” but that the late former He added that the president “will never be far away. He is buried next to Rosalyn.” The willow tree across the road is his memory calling us all to pay attention to our better angels. ”
“Hundreds of tourists from all over the world packed into their seats” to watch the Obamas teach Sunday school, as the former president had done “for most of his adult life.” He highlighted Carter’s accomplishments as president. But they specifically focused on Sunday school classes, which they said inspired people to make pilgrimages to church. “Many of the people who were in that church Sunday morning were there, at least in part, for a more fundamental reason: President Carter’s decency.”
Former Vice President Gore memorializes Carter ‘for a purpose’
Former Vice President Al Gore praised Jimmy Carter, saying he lived a “life full of purpose, dedication and kindness” and was “a lifelong example for the entire environmental movement.”
Carter left the White House in 1981 after a landslide defeat to Ronald Reagan. It focuses on conflict resolution, defending democracy, and combating diseases in developing countries. Mr. Gore, who lost the 2000 presidential election to George W. Bush, remains a leading advocate for action to combat climate change. Both won the Nobel Peace Prize.
Gore said Carter “will be remembered equally for his accomplishments as president and for his 42 years of leadership after leaving office, a testament to his unyielding determination to help build a more just and peaceful world.” ” he said. ”
President Bill Clinton had an uneasy relationship with Carter during Gore’s time in the White House. But Gore said he was “grateful” for his “longstanding friendship and collaboration” with Carter.
The Clintons react to Jimmy Carter’s death
Former President Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, remember Carter as a man who lived to serve others.
“Hillary and I mourn the passing of President Jimmy Carter and thank him for his long and good life. President Carter was guided by his faith and lived to the end to serve others.”
The statement affirms efforts to “protect the natural resources of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, make energy conservation a national priority, return the Panama Canal to Panama, and ensure peace between Egypt and Israel at Camp David.” It recalled Mr. Carter’s many accomplishments and priorities, including:
Clinton’s statement said that after leaving office, Carter continued his efforts to “support honest elections, promote peace, fight disease, and promote democracy.” We thank him and Rosalynn for their dedication and hard work at Habitat for Humanity, working tirelessly for a better and more just world.”
