Jimmy Carter's death sparks tributes, remembrances: President Biden, Donald Trump, Gov. Murphy and more
Reactions are pouring in from around the world over the death of former president Jimmy Carter.
The longest-lived American president died on Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care, at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died at 96 in November 2023, spent most of their lives, The Carter Center said.
Tributes to the 39th president of the U.S. are expected to continue:
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President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden
"Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian," the White House said in a statement Sunday. "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."
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Vice President Kamala Harris
"I had the privilege of knowing President Carter for years," Vice President Kamala Harris said in a statement. "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."
President-elect Donald Trump
"Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time," President-elect Donald Trump posted on Truth Social. "We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers."
Former president Barack Obama
"He believed some things were more important than reelection — things like integrity, respect, and compassion. Because Jimmy Carter believed, as deeply as he believed anything, that we are all created in God’s image," former president Barack Obama wrote on Medium. "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."
Former president Bill Clinton
Former president Bill Clinton and his wife offered condolences on social media.
Pennsylvania leaders
Governor Josh Shapiro ordered United States and Commonwealth flags on all Commonwealth facilities, public buildings, and grounds across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to fly at half-staff to honor the late former president.
Pennsylvania House Democratic leaders issued the following statement on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter:
"President Carter dedicated his life to serving the American people, from his time as a submariner in the nuclear navy to fighting for equality and civil rights as a Georgia state senator and then as governor."As president, he guided the nation past the dark memory of Watergate. Here in Pennsylvania, he was a steady, calming voice during the Three Mile Island crisis. Always an engineer, he was among the first to identify and advance renewable energy policies that, had they been maintained, could have changed the world we live in today."After his presidency, he became a world leader once again in the arena of human rights and democracy, for which he was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize, and for decades, he was the face—and the man swinging the hammer—for Habitat for Humanity."Please join us in keeping former President Carter’s loved ones in your prayers as our nation mourns together."
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker also shared her sentiments toward former President Carter.
New Jersey leaders
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and the state's 3rd Lieutenant Governor Tahesha L. Way both shared their condolences in separate statements.
"I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, a man of unparalleled moral courage, faith, and humanity.
While his presidency left an undeniable mark, it was his life after the White House that cemented his place among our nation’s greatest citizens. Whether building homes for the homeless, fighting disease, or advancing human rights, President Carter exemplified the belief that public service is a lifelong calling. His life taught us what it means to lead with compassion and purpose.
I am sending my prayers to his children Jack, James II, Donnel, and Amy, along with their families, and all who had the pleasure of knowing President Carter." - 3rd Lieutenant Governor Tahesha L. Way.
Delaware leaders
Delaware Governor Carney issued the following statement Sunday on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter:
"Today, Tracey and I learned the sad news of the passing of former President Jimmy Carter. President Carter was a man of great faith and that faith inspired his service as Governor of Georgia and later as President of the United States. He was perhaps best known for the work he did after leaving office. He was a champion for peace and human rights at home and around the globe and was recognized for his efforts with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. And he inspired many with the work he did for Habitat for Humanity well into his 90s. President Carter truly embodied what it means to be a public servant and we are grateful for the legacy he leaves behind."
Delaware Senator Chris Coons also released a statement on the passing of former president Carter.
Coons' full statement reads:
"President Carter was a profoundly decent and ethical man who served our country well during a difficult period. He was the most successful former president in my lifetime. Through the Carter Center, he made incredible strides toward the eradication of tropical disease and, building on his legacy as president – particularly the Camp David Accords – promoted conflict resolution and peace-building efforts.
A longtime Baptist deacon and Sunday school teacher, he never shied away from talking about his commitment to faith or its impact on his politics. I long admired him for his honesty and strong moral compass.
His death is a loss for our country and world, just as the loss of Rosalynn, the love of his life, was as well. Annie and I extend my deepest sympathies to his children, Jack, James III, Donnel, and Amy; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and the other members of the Carter family during this difficult time."
Melinda French Gates
"My hero Jimmy Carter was a peacemaker, a public servant, a man of faith, a devoted partner to Rosalynn," Melinda French Gates tweeted. "We honor President Carter by remembering that because of him, life is healthier, better, and safer not just for one life, but for millions."
Habitat for Humanity
Carter was known for his work with Habitat for Humanity. The nonprofit shared its thoughts on social media.
Habitat for Humanity's Philadelphia branch sent FOX 29 its own special tribute as the Carters worked alongside its staff to renovate vacant houses on the 1900 block of Wilt Street in North Philly in 1988 that were sold to first-time homebuyers.
The Philly chapter sent the following statement:
"Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia mourns the passing of President Jimmy Carter. During his life, President Carter rose to the most powerful office in the world and yet, remained grounded in his faith and rooted in his humble beginnings.
President Carter spent much of his time post-presidency dedicated to Habitat for Humanity and helped to build 4,390 homes alongside more than 104,000 volunteers in 14 countries. For decades, he and his wife, Rosalynn, hosted the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project. The project attracts thousands of volunteers and continues to inspire millions around the world each year.
Locally, President Carter and Rosalynn worked alongside Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia staff, volunteers and homeowners to renovate five vacant houses on the 1900 block of Wilt Street in North Philadelphia in 1988 that were sold to first-time homebuyers.
The world is a better place because of President Carter, and not just for the homes he had a hand in building. His emphasis on our shared humanity is an inspiration to all. Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia lifts the entire Carter family in our prayers."
NASA
"We are saddened by the passing of President Jimmy Carter, who contributed to the Voyager Golden Record currently traveling through interstellar space," NASA posted on social media. "Carter's message of peace continues to reach across the ‘vast and awesome universe.’"