All former living US presidents have issued statements following the death of Jimmy Carter
Joe Biden has led tributes from around the world to former US President and Nobel Peace Prize winner Jimmy Carter who has died at the age of 100.
The longest-lived American president died on Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife Rosalynn, who died in November 2023, lived most of their lives.
Mr Biden said the world had “lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian”.
There will be a state funeral for Jimmy Carter on January 9, Mr Biden confirmed.
Mr Carter became the 39th US president in 1977 at the age of 52. He built a reputation for tireless work as a humanitarian, earning a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 as he helped ease nuclear tensions in North and South Korea, avert a US invasion of Haiti and negotiate cease-fires in Bosnia and Sudan.
The Democrat defeated former president Gerald Ford in the presidential election in 1976 during the wake of the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War.
The Georgian governor, who started as a peanut farmer, served just one term. Ronald Reagan defeated him in 1980.
The Carter Center wrote “our founder, former US President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia,” on X, addingg he died peacefully, surrounded by his family.
His son, 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.
“The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honouring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.”
The former president once said: “I’ve had a wonderful life […] I’ve had thousands of friends, I’ve had an exciting, adventurous and gratifying existence.”
A statement by Mr Biden and First Lady Jill Biden said: “Over six decades, we had the honor 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.”
“We will miss them both dearly, but take solace knowing they are reunited once again and will remain forever in our hearts”, he added.
The president said he ordered an official state funeral in Washington D.C, but no date has yet been given.
The flag above the White House has been lowered to half-mast out of respect, and the Empire State Building in New York has been lit up in Red, White and Blue to “honour the life and legacy” of the former president.
Donald Trump says he and Melania are thinking of the Carter family and has urged people to keep them in their “hearts and prayers”.
In a statement on Trust social, the president-elect said: “I just heard of the news about the passing of President Jimmy Carter. 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.
“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.
Former president Bill Clinton put out a statement on X where he paid tribute to Jimmy Carter as someone who “worked tirelessly for better, fairer world.
Keir Starmer also paid tribute to Mr Carter, saying he “redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights”.
The prime minister said: “I was very sorry to hear of President Carter’s passing and I would like to pay tribute to his decades of selfless public service.
“His presidency will be remembered for the historic Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, and it was that lifelong dedication to peace that saw him receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
“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.”
“My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time,” he added.
The King remembered the former US president’s 1977 visit to the UK with “great fondness” and praised his “dedication and humility”.
In a message to President Joe Biden and the American people, Charles said: “It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of 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.
“My thoughts and prayers are with President Carter’s family and the American people at this time.”
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described Carter’s legacy as “one of compassion, kindness, empathy, and hard work” and says “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”.
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