Joe Biden: Mourning the late Jimmy Carter

He was the 39th President of the United States and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his humanitarian work. On December 29th, Jimmy Carter (1924-2024) died at the age of 100 surrounded by his family, his foundation announced. There are expressions of grief not only from his homeland, politicians all over the world immediately expressed their condolences. Also the British King Charles III. (76) published a statement late on Sunday evening.

In one, incumbent US President Joe Biden (82) called Carter “an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian.” He worked to “eradicate disease, create peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, provide homes for the homeless and always advocate for the poorest among us.” He also recalled that he had been friends with Carter for six decades.

He, 78, said the nation was “indebted” to Jimmy Carter. “The challenges Jimmy faced as president came at a crucial time for our country, and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans.”

All living ex-presidents of the USA spoke up. “Whenever I was able to spend time with President Carter, it was clear that he did more than just proclaim these values,” Barack Obama (63) wrote in a statement. “He embodied it. And in doing so, he taught us all what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice and service.” The world became better because of him

George W. Bush (78) said: “James Earl Carter Jr. was a man of deep-rooted convictions. He was loyal to his family, his community and his country. President Carter carried out his office with dignity. And his efforts to… leaving a better world didn’t end with his presidency.”

Bill Clinton (78) recalled Carter’s diverse commitments: “From his commitment to civil rights as a senator and governor of the state of Georgia to his efforts as president to protect our natural resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, to make energy conservation a national priority and to return the Panama Canal to Panama, he worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world.”

Also the British King Charles III. (76) sent . “It is with great sadness that I learned of the death of former President Carter.” He was a committed public servant who dedicated his life to promoting peace and human rights. “His dedication and humility served as an inspiration to many and I remember with great joy his visit to the United Kingdom in 1977.”

Jimmy Carter was the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981. While his time in power is considered rather unfortunate, the democrat subsequently made a name for himself as a fighter for peace and human rights. In 2002 he received the Nobel Peace Prize. In recent years he has suffered from health problems. In 2015 he was diagnosed with skin cancer. Most recently, he received palliative care in his home. Carter outlived his beloved wife Rosalynn (1927-2023) by one year. The two were married for an impressive 77 years until their death in November 2023. They leave behind four children, eleven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Joe Biden, who is supposed to give the eulogy at the request of the deceased, has announced a state funeral and declared January 9th a national day of mourning for Jimmy Carter. The US flag will also fly at half-mast for the next 30 days.