Georgia, national leaders react to Jimmy Carter's death

Ashley Ahn, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Dec 29, 2024

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ATLANTA — In the wake of Former President Jimmy Carter’s death, national and local leaders are sharing their reactions and celebrating the life of a man who set a new standard for post-presidencies.

Carter died at his home in Plains about 3:45 p.m. Sunday, nearly two years after entering home hospice care. He was 100.

U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden called Carter a dear friend and an “extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian.”

“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,” the Bidens said. “He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe.I will be ordering an official state funeral to be held in Washington D.C.”

They said the White House will hold an official state funeral in Washington D.C.

President-elect Donald Trump said he and his wife Melania are thinking warmly of the Carter family during this difficult time.

“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,” he said. “For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.”

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens pointed to the Carters’ humble beginnings and modest post-presidency, “never seeking riches and always being guided by their faith and values.”

“They labored to end diseases that others ignored and advance democracy where others saw no hope,” he said. “Sojourning from their modest home in Plains, they sought peace in war-torn regions and built houses with Habitat for Humanity.”

U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams, chairwoman of the Democratic party of Georiga, called Carter “a north star for Georgia Democrats.”

“President Carter leaves one of the greatest legacies of humanitarianism in history. Throughout his long life of service, he never paused in his relentless pursuit of a more peaceful, healthy, and just world,” she said. “We will strive to carry forward his legacy of service and compassion while we work, as he did, to reshape his beloved home state for the better.”

U.S. Senators, including Raphel Warnock and Jon Ossoff, also shared their reactions to Carter’s death and the former president’s impact on their careers in public service.

“President Carter was one of my heroes,” Warnock said. “His leadership was driven by love, his life’s project grounded in compassion and a commitment to human dignity.”

“From Plains to across the State of Georgia, the United States, and around the world, millions will forever admire and appreciate all that President Carter did for the United States and for the global community,” Ossoff said.