Condolences pour in for Jimmy Carter after ex-president dies at 100
'My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace,' says son
Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter was lauded Sunday as a humanitarian and a champion of justice by his successors, supporters and admirers around the world following news of his death.
"Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia," The Carter Center said in a statement announcing his death on the social media platform X. It added that he died peacefully, surrounded by his family.
Condolences soon started to pour in following the announcement.
U.S. President Joe Biden and wife Jill
"Over six decades, we had the honour of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what's extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well.
"With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us. He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe.
"And 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, a man of principle, faith, and humility. He showed that we are great nation because we are a good people – decent and honourable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong."
U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris
"I had the privilege of knowing President Carter for years. I will always remember his kindness, wisdom, and profound grace. His life and legacy continue to inspire me — and will inspire generations to come. Our world is a better place because of President Carter."
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump
"Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History.
"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."
Ex-U.S. president Barack Obama and wife Michelle
"Jimmy Carter believed, as deeply as he believed anything, that we are all created in God's image. Whenever I had a chance to spend time with President Carter, it was clear that he didn't just profess these values. He embodied them. And in doing so, he taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service."
Ex-U.S. president Bill Clinton
"Hillary and I mourn the passing of President Jimmy Carter and give thanks for his long, good life. Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve others - until the very end ... 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. Our prayers are with Jack, Chip, Jeff, Amy, and their families."
Ex-U.S. president George W. Bush
"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."
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
"Jimmy Carter's legacy is one of compassion, kindness, empathy, and hard work. He served others both at home and around the world his entire life — and he loved doing it. He was always thoughtful and generous with his advice to me.
"My deepest condolences to the Carter family, his many loved ones, and the American people who are mourning a former President and a lifelong humanitarian. May his selfless service continue to inspire us all for years to come."
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh
"President Jimmy Carter was a Nobel Peace Prize winner, peacemaker, lifelong humanitarian and a tireless worker for Habitat for Humanity. He earned respect and admiration around the Globe for being a man whose actions matched his values. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, his loved ones and all Americans."
Chip Carter, his son
"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. 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."
French President Emmanuel Macron
"Throughout his life, Jimmy Carter defended the rights of the most vulnerable people and tirelessly led the fight for peace. France sends its heartfelt thoughts to his family and to the American people."
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer
"Motivated by his strong faith and values, President Carter redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad ... [he] lived his values in the service of others to the very end."
King Charles
"It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of former President Carter. He was a committed public servant, and devoted his life to promoting peace and human rights. His dedication and humility served as an inspiration to many, and I remember with great fondness his visit to the United Kingdom in 1977."