‘A life of service:’ Leaders react to death of former President Jimmy Carter
.JPG "Former President Jimmy Carter in 2003, at his home in Plains, Georgia.")
Public figures reacted Sunday to the news that 100-year-old former President Jimmy Carter had died in Plains, Georgia.
Officials with the Carter Center confirmed the news on social media Sunday afternoon.
The Nobel Peace Prize winner entered hospice care in February 2023, Carter’s family announced at the time.
“To all of the young people in this nation and for anyone in search of what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning — the good life — study Jimmy Carter,” President Joe Biden said in a White House statement.
Biden added that he will order an official state funeral to be held for Carter in Washington, D.C.
Former President George W. Bush described Carter as a “man of deeply held convictions.”
“Laura and I send our heartfelt condolences to Jack, Chip, Jeff, Amy, and the entire Carter family. James Earl Carter, Jr., was a man of deeply held convictions. He was loyal to his family, his community, and his country. President Carter dignified the office. And his efforts to leave behind a better world didn’t end with the presidency. His work with Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations. We join our fellow citizens in giving thanks for Jimmy Carter and in prayer for his family,” Bush’s statement reads.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi took to X Sunday afternoon to share their condolences, with Johnson calling Carter’s story “one of humble beginnings.”
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Carter lived a life “marked by selfless service.”
“Cecilia and I mourn the loss of former President Jimmy Carter alongside millions of Americans across the country. Our nation remains the greatest beacon of freedom and opportunity in the world because of our fearless chief executives who are our guiding force through the best and worst of times. For that, we owe President Carter our enduring gratitude for his service as the 39th President of the United States. Having led a life marked by selfless service to the American people, President Carter leaves behind a great legacy as a husband, father, naval officer, governor, and Nobel prize winner, and he will be greatly missed by many. Cecilia and I send our prayers and deepest condolences to First Lady Rosalynn Carter and the entire Carter family,” Abbott’s statement reads.
Texas Senator John Cornyn issued a statement, calling Carter’s legacy a “cherished part of our great American story.”
“As a naval officer, Georgia state senator, governor, and President of the United States, Jimmy Carter served our nation with honor. His love for his home state of Georgia and for those he served through his beloved Maranatha Baptist Church and charities like Habitat for Humanity was evident throughout his life, and his legacy will remain a cherished part of our great American story. My prayers are with the entire Carter family during this time,” Cornyn’s full statement reads.
During his presidency, Carter awarded the Medal of Honor twice and restored the honor to the first and only woman to receive it, said Chris Cassidy, president of the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington.
“President Carter lived a life of service,” Cassidy said in a statement. “I am grateful that his kindness extended to the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, which he graciously supported as an honorary director.”
This story was originally published December 29, 2024 at 5:04 PM.
