Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, has died at age 100.
Carter was “surrounded by his family” at his home in Plains, Georgia, in his final moments, the Carter Center said in a statement Sunday.
President Joe Biden said Carter “stands as a model of what it means to live a life of meaning and purpose,”and remembered Carter as a “dear friend.”
President-elect Donald Trump said Americans owe the former president “a debt of gratitude.” Preparations are underway for a state funeral.
Carter was a peanut farmer and US Navy lieutenant before going into politics, eventually serving one term as governor of Georgia and as president of the United States from 1977 to 1981.
He was the only former US president to reach 100 years old.
Rosalynn Carter, the former president’s wife of more than 75 years, who was known for her mental health advocacy and humanitarian work, died in November 2023 at 96. The Carters were the longest-married presidential couple in US history.
Carter’s Secret Service detail reflects on serving former president while preparing for his state funeral
Members of the Carter Protective Division of the US Secret Service are in mourning tonight as agents privately share stories in person and in group messages of the agency’s work guarding the former president and his family for nearly half a century, a law enforcement official tells CNN.
“We’ve been planning for (today),” said the official, “but it’s still a gut punch.”
While in office and beyond, the Secret Service has maintained a protective detail for the Carter family based in Georgia.
“We’re not finished,” said the official, noting the Secret Service was working with the Defense Department to plan for Carter’s expected return to Washington, DC, for a memorial service and his final resting back in Georgia.
“Dozens and dozens of (Secret Service) agents had the honor of a lifetime to serve the Carters” the official said. “We’re coming to grips with the fact this era is now ending.”
CNN has reached out to the Secret Service for formal comment on Carter’s passing.
World leaders honor former President Jimmy Carter
Here’s how world leaders have reacted to the death of former President Jimmy Carter:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky: “He was a leader who served during a time when Ukraine was not yet independent, yet his heart stood firmly with us in our ongoing fight for freedom. We deeply appreciate his steadfast commitment to Christian faith and democratic values, as well as his unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s unprovoked aggression.
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.”
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi: “President Carter was a symbol of humanitarian and diplomatic efforts, his deep belief in peace and justice has inspired many individuals and institutions around the world to follow his path. His efforts in preserving the peace agreement between Egypt and Israel will remain etched in history, and his humanitarian work demonstrate a standard of love, peace and brotherhood.”
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.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer: “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.”
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban: “The memory of President Jimmy Carter will always be cherished in Hungary. By returning the Holy Crown to the people of Hungary at the end of the 70s, he gave freedom-loving Hungarians hope in a hopeless time. I would like to express my deepest condolences to the Carter family and the American people.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres: “President Carter will be remembered for his solidarity with the vulnerable, his abiding grace, and his unrelenting faith in the common good and our common humanity. His legacy as a peacemaker, human rights champion and humanitarian will endure.”
● By CNN
