Tributes Pour In From Political Leaders, Hollywood Following Jimmy Carter’s Death: “Unparalleled Life Of Service”
Tributes poured in from all spheres of politics, entertainment and culture as notable figures honored Jimmy Carter and his legacy as the 39th President of the United States, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and longtime climate and human rights advocate, following his death this afternoon in Plains, Ga.
At 100, Carter — who was born on Oct. 1, 1924 — lived longer than any other U.S. president and had the longest post-presidency. The Carter Center said there would be public observances in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., as well as a private interment in Plains, Ga. The final arrangements of a state funeral are still pending.
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Chip Carter, his son, said in a statement: “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.”
President-elect Donald Trump wrote in a statement to media: “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.”
Vice President Kamala Harris said, “President Jimmy Carter was guided by a deep and abiding faith — in God, in America, and in humanity.
“Jimmy Carter’s life is a testament to the power of service — as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, the 76th Governor of Georgia, and the 39th President of the United States. He reminded our nation and the world that there is strength in decency and compassion.
“As President, he protected our air and water, promoted transparency in government, and brokered an historic peace treaty between Egypt and Israel at Camp David.
“Throughout his life, President Carter was strengthened by the love and support of his partner of 77 years, First Lady Rosalynn Carter, whose life President Biden and I had the opportunity to celebrate in Georgia last year. After leaving office, President Carter continued his fight for peace, democracy, and human dignity through the Carter Center.
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“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. Doug and I send our love and prayers to the Carter family.”
Former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama said in a statement, “Elected in the shadow of Watergate, Jimmy Carter promised voters that he would always tell the truth. And he did — advocating for the public good, consequences be damned. 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.
“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. In his Nobel acceptance speech, President Carter said, ‘God gives us the capacity for choice. We can choose to alleviate suffering. We can choose to work together for peace.’ He made that choice again and again over the course of his 100 years, and the world is better for it.”
King Charles said 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.”
Former President George W. Bush said in a statement, “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.”
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement, “As President, his work to restore integrity to the political arena during a difficult chapter in our history was a testament to his firm faith in the sanctity of the public good, which he always placed above his own. After leaving the White House, he carried on his service — leading perhaps the most impactful post-presidency in history.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a comment, “President Carter’s faith in the American people and his belief in the power of kindness and humility leave a strong legacy. He taught us that the strength of a leader lies not in rhetoric but in action, not in personal gain but in service to others.”
Meanwhile, Mitch McConnell, added: “President Carter served during times of tension and uncertainty, both at home and abroad. But his calm spirit and deep faith seemed unshakeable. Jimmy Carter served as our commander-in-chief for four years, but he served as the beloved, unassuming Sunday school teacher at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia for forty. And his humble devotion leaves us little doubt which of those two important roles he prized the most.”
In a lengthy tribute, California Gov. Gavin Newsom wrote: “Jennifer and I join the country and the world in mourning the passing of President Jimmy Carter, a tireless champion for human rights and democracy whose unparalleled life of service made the world a better place.
“President Carter was a man of rare character – whose beliefs ran true and ran deep, whose moral compass never wavered. He saw the common humanity in all of us, building bridges between people of different faiths and factions abroad while working to meet the needs of those at home. Despite daunting challenges and trying times, his bright energy and spirit never faltered.
“Service was more than a career for President Carter, it was a way of life. After leaving the White House, the Carters made it their mission to advance global peace and health through the Carter Center, improving countless lives over four decades of humanitarian efforts.
“President Carter’s candor and compassion, moral leadership, and sense of duty set a standard we all should aspire to. His enduring example reminds us that we can still find common ground despite our differences.
“Our hearts are with the Carter family, their loved ones and friends, and everyone grieving this great loss.”
Former president Bill Clinton paid tribute to his former colleague, saying that the one-term president “worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world.” He recalled first meeting Carter in 1975 and becoming an early supporter of his presidential campaign. Clinton presented the Medal of Freedom to Carter and Rosalynn Carter In 1999. “Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve others — until the very end,” Clinton said.
Motion Picture Association Chairman and CEO Charles Rivkin said in a statement, “Jimmy Carter was a public servant to his core – a president, governor, humanitarian, farmer, and proud son of Georgia who always stayed true to his roots and his unwavering belief in fairness, equality, and justice. For the creative community, he was also a visionary leader who saw what Georgia could, and would, become: a thriving ecosystem for film and television production. By establishing Georgia’s film office ahead of most other states, and envisioning movies and series as fertile ground for growth, President Carter helped turned his beloved home state into a powerful home base for world-renowned storytellers.
“His contributions to our industry were a fraction of his achievements for the American people and citizens across the globe; all of us are better off because of Jimmy Carter’s legacy. On behalf of the Motion Picture Association, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the entire Carter family.”
In 1974, not even five months after Richard Nixon resigned the presidency, Carter entered the race for the Democratic nomination as a virtual unknown. Carter used his political anonymity to his advantage, running as an outsider who could bring to Washington the integrity needed in the aftermath of Watergate. In Hollywood, Carter became a celebrity in his own right, forging ties with Lew Wasserman for fundraising efforts. Throughout his tenure, Carter’s energy policy was prescient, decades before climate change became a national priority. The pinnacle of his presidency came in 1978, when, following 12 days at Camp David, he announced a peace deal between Israel and Egypt, with a treaty signed the following year. His foreign policy successes, though, were overshadowed by the Iranian hostage crisis in November 1979. Stagflation and a recession in early 1980 coincided with the start of his reelection campaign, paving the way for the Ronald Reagan era. Following his tenure, Carter pursued some of the human rights policy focus of his time in the White House, wrote numerous memoirs, founded his eponymous nonprofit and garnered a Nobel Peace Prize.
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