Fellow former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, in addition to other political leaders and influential figures, are paying tribute to Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, following news of his death at the age of 100.
On Dec. 29, the Carter Center released a statement confirming that Jimmy Carter, the longest-lived president, had died in his home in Plains, Georgia, with his family by his side.
The center said there will be public observances in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., and a private funeral in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. Details of a state funeral will be determined at a later date.
Jimmy Carter’s death comes about a year after his wife Rosalynn Carter, to whom he was married for 77 years, died in November 2023 at the age of 96. The couple are survived by their four children: John “Jack” Carter, James “Chip” Carter, Donnel “Jeff” Carter and Amy Carter.
In a statement about his father’s death, James “Chip” Carter said, “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love. My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs.”
He added, “The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.”
Much of Washington, notable political figures and former leaders joined James “Chip” Carter in honoring the late president and celebrating his legacy.
The White House shared an official statement from President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden.
“Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian,” the couple began.
“He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism. We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together. The love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism,” they added. “We will miss them both dearly, but take solace knowing they are reunited once again and will remain forever in our hearts. To the entire Carter family, we send our gratitude for sharing them with America and the world. To their staff — from the earliest days to the final ones — we have no doubt that you will continue to do the good works that carry on their legacy.”
Former president Barack Obama shared a statement from him and former first lady Michelle Obama on X. “President Carter taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from this remarkable man,” he wrote. He also included a link to a longer tribute that reflected on President Carter’s political achievements and his commitment to his faith.
Former president Bill Clinton shared a message from him and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on X, as well.
Bill Clinton wrote, in part, “Hillary and I met President Carter in 1975 and were proud, early supporters of his Presidential campaign. I will always be proud to have presented the Medal of Freedom to him and Rosalynn in 1999, and to have worked with him in the years after he left the White House.” The post included a photo of Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter sitting side by side.
President-elect Donald Trump reflected on Jimmy Carter’s presidency on the platform Truth Social. He wrote, in part, “The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude. Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers.”
To pay tribute to Jimmy Carter’s life and legacy, the account for the Empire State Building announced on X that the historic skyscraper will be illuminated with red, white and blue lights.
Representative Nancy Pelosi applauded Jimmy Carter’s lifelong commitment to public service on X. She noted that, “At the heart of President Carter’s public service was his fervent commitment to honoring the spark of divinity within every person.
“He always defended that spark: whether teaching Sunday school in his beloved (Maranatha) Baptist Church, brokering the landmark Camp David Accords to pave the way to peace or building homes with Habitat for Humanity.” She also praised Jimmy Carter’s love for his wife.
Activist and former Georgia State Representative Stacey Abrams uploaded two photos to X of her and the late president smiling and shaking hands at a press conference in 2018. In her tweet, she described Jimmy Carter’s life as one “of courage, fortitude, kindness and grace.”