Former US President Jimmy Carter dies at the age of 100 – DW – 12/29/2024

Former Republican President George W. Bush said the late Carter’s legacy “will inspire Americans for generations.”

Bush praised Carter’s post-presidency work through his nonprofit Carter Center, which included building affordable housing and promoting public health and global democracy.

Bush said, “This action sets an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations.”

Carter was a strong opponent of Bush’s 2003 invasion of Iraq.

The US space agency NASA has praised Carter’s contributions to space exploration, particularly recalling the Voyager Golden Record.

This record was set by the two Voyager spacecraft launched in 1977, during Carter’s tenure in the White House.

NASA said the record is “currently traveling through interstellar space.”

“Carter’s message of peace is reaching ‘the vast and wonderful universe,'” the agency said.

US President Joe Biden mourned Carter’s death, calling him a “dear friend” and an “extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian”.

“Over six decades, we had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what is extraordinary about Jimmy Carter is that millions of people in America and around the world who never met him called him a dear “Thought about it as a friend, too,” Biden said.

“With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eliminate disease, build peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the lowest among us. He saved, lifted and changed the lives of people all over the world,” he said.

The President said he would order an official state funeral to be held in Washington.

The Empire State Building in New York said it was mirroring the colors of the US flag in memory of the late president.

“Tonight we will shine in red, white and blue to honor the life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter,” the Empire State Building said on social media.

Former Democratic US President Bill Clinton mourned Carter, a fellow Democrat, saying he “worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world.”

In a joint statement with his wife Hillary, Clinton said the late president “lived to serve others to the end.”

Clinton said, “Hillary and I met President Carter in 1975 and were proud early supporters of his presidential campaign.”

Clinton served as president approximately 15 years after Carter.

Republican President-elect Donald Trump expressed condolences over Carter, saying Americans owed the late Democratic president a “debt of gratitude.”

“Jimmy faced the challenges as President at a critical time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans,” Trump said on social media.

“For this, we are all grateful to him.”

Former US President Jimmy Carter died at the age of 100.

His son Chip Carter said, “My father was a hero not only to me but to everyone who believed in peace, human rights and selfless love.”

The Carter Center announced that public events would take place in Atlanta and Washington. Following these ceremonies, a private funeral will take place on the grounds.

Carter, who served from 1977 to 1981, was known for his humanitarian work and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

After more than a year of hospice care, he died at his home in Plains, Georgia.

According to the Centre, final arrangements for the state funeral of the former President are still pending.

rmt/lo (AFP, AP, dpa, Reuters)