Jimmy Carter dies at 100: Georgia leaders react to death of former president

PLAINS, Ga. - Following The Carter Center's announcement that former U.S. President Jimmy Carter passed away on Dec. 29, 2024, Georgia politicians and state leaders rallied support around the Carter family and offered their condolences.

Carter's last public appearance was at his late wife Rosalynn Carter's funeral on Nov. 29, 2023. He was also briefly seen watching a U.S. Navy flyover with F-18s and World War II planes on his 100th birthday.

Georgia, national leaders react to death of former President Jimmy Carter

President Joe Biden

"Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian.

"Over six decades, we had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well.

"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. He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe.

"He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism. We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together. The love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism.

"We will miss them both dearly, but take solace knowing they are reunited once again and will remain forever in our hearts.

"To the entire Carter family, we send our gratitude for sharing them with America and the world. To their staff – from the earliest days to the final ones – we have no doubt that you will continue to do the good works that carry on their legacy.

"And to all of the young people in this nation and for anyone in search of what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning – the good life – study Jimmy Carter, a man of principle, faith, and humility. He showed that we are great nation because we are a good people – decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong.

"To honor a great American, I will be ordering an official state funeral to be held in Washington D.C. for James Earl Carter, Jr., 39th President of the United States, 76th Governor of Georgia, Lieutenant of the United States Navy, graduate of the United States Naval Academy, and favorite son of Plains, Georgia, who gave his full life in service to God and country."

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Vice President Kamala Harris

"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.

"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."

President-elect Donald Trump

"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."

The Office of Gov. Brian Kemp

"As the only American president thus far to come from Georgia, he showed the world the impact our state and its people have on the country. And as a son of Plains, he always valued Georgians and the virtues of our state."

Sec. of State Brad Raffensperger

"President Carter dedicated his life to serving our great nation and the people of Georgia.

"As a true servant-leader, he devoted his post-presidency to spreading the very best of American ideals across the globe. His commitment to peace, democracy, and human rights has left an indelible mark on the world.

"Tricia and I mourn his passing and extend our deepest condolences to the Carter family.May President Carter be at peace, reunited with his true love Rosalynn in their eternal rest."

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones

"Today, our state, nation and world lost a man who exemplified what it means to be a public servant and to put the needs of others before your own. Our 39th President represented small towns like Plains, Georgia and never forgot where he and his family came from. From his first day in office and until his last days on this Earth, he devoted his life to his late wife Rosalynn, their kids, grandchildren and the community they were born, raised and lived in their entire lives.

"President Carter was an exemplary statesman who was respected by many and served our nation with skill and experience. I had the honor of meeting him and his wife, and I will never forget that day. They were kind, wonderful, accepting and exactly what they portrayed every day, two people devoted to lifting up those in their community who needed help the most. President Carter’s legacy will live on in the numerous nonprofits, charities and organizations Rosalynn, his family and him started. Jan and I are keeping his loving family in our thoughts and prayers."

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens

"I was born into a state led by Governor Carter. When I learned the Pledge of Allegiance at Miles Elementary School, a photo of President Carter hung on the wall. And for the last four decades, I have watched Jimmy Carter and his beloved Rosalynn be the very definition of servant leaders, representing the best that our state and our nation have to offer.

"After returning home from the White House to Georgia, the Carters redefined the purpose of a 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. Sojourning from their modest home in Plains, they sought peace in war-torn regions and built houses with Habitat for Humanity.

"My heart goes out to the entire Carter family here in Atlanta, across Georgia and our nation. I am so proud that President Carter’s legacy will continue to endure here in Atlanta through The Carter Center. As we mourn this loss, let us also tell our children the story of the boy from Plains who would be President.

"From building affordable homes through Habitat for Humanity to protecting democracy across the globe by ensuring fair and free elections, President Carter has changed the world forever."

Sen. Raphael Warnock

"President Carter was one of my heroes. His leadership was driven by love, his life’s project grounded in compassion and a commitment to human dignity. For those of us who have the privilege of representing our communities in elected office, Jimmy Carter is a shining example of what it means to make your faith come alive through the noble work of public service."

"I’m honored to have had the opportunity to know President Carter—the first president I remember from my childhood, and someone with whom I developed a meaningful friendship. He brought his family to worship at my church. At a family dinner, I remember the President and his amazing wife, Rosalyn, holding my daughter, then just two months old, as if she were their own granddaughter. They were among my favorite people."

"President Carter taught us through his example that it’s not the office you hold but the orientation you have that gives you the ability to serve effectively. A moral powerhouse, he moved us closer toward our highest ideals while in the governor’s mansion and the White House, but perhaps even more so after leaving the presidency. A former president, he got his hands dirty, literally building people’s homes while helping them build their lives. President Carter was a Matthew 25 Christian. He believed, as I do, that the true test of your faith is the depth of your commitment to the most marginalized members of the human family. I believe he passed that test and has now graduated into immortality. Democracies around the world are stronger and children across the globe are alive today because of President Carter’s work—what a legacy to leave."

"Well done, good and faithful servant, well done."

Sen. Jon Ossoff

"I extend my deepest condolences to Jack, Chip, Jeff, Amy, and the entire Carter family on their loss."

A former Georgia State Senator, Governor of Georgia, and President of the United States, President Carter’s lifetime of work and dedication to public service changed the lives of many across our state, our country, and around the world.

"Among his lifetime of service and countless accomplishments, President Carter will be remembered for his commitment to democracy and human rights, his enduring faith, his philanthropic leadership, and his deep love of family."

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.

"The State of Georgia and the United States are better places because of President Jimmy Carter.

"I join all Georgians and all Americans in mourning his loss. May Jimmy Carter’s memory be a blessing."

Congressman Hank Johnson

"President Carter restored honest competence, integrity, and humility to the Office of the Presidency. He led the nation with vision and courage, although his Southern heritage was used to belittle him in the eyes of many. I know of no man in his post presidency who has had a greater impact on humanity than President Carter. His selfless service to mankind is unparalleled, as was his humbleness and fortitude. Rest In Peace, humble servant!"

The King Center

Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King

"Arndrea and I send our heartfelt condolences to President Jimmy Carter’s family, especially his children and grandchildren. President Carter was a trailblazer, a fighter who punched above his weight. While history may have been hard on President Carter at times, today, he is remembered as a global human rights leader.

"My father once said, ‘As long as there is poverty in this world, no man can be totally rich even if he has a billion dollars.’ President Carter, like my father, saw poverty as one of the greatest threats and was determined to eradicate it. I was honored that he selected me to represent our country on two foreign delegations that led to the creation of the African Initiative, a program which sought to end starvation in Africa. 

"Over the years, my family found comfort in President Carter’s wise counsel and strong leadership. Even after he left office, he carried on the legacies that my family has long-championed, the eradication of the triple evils – poverty, racism, and violence. We will truly miss President Carter, but we know that he would not want us to be saddened by his death, but proud of the work we’ve accomplished together and resolved to continue the work he started for the generations that come after us.

"Rest in peace, President Carter. You’ve earned it."

Dr. Bernice A. King

Dr. Bernice King sat down for a live interview with FOX 5 Atlanta the day former President Jimmy Carter died and spoke about his friendship with her father, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) President, CEO Margaret Huang

"Jimmy Carter was an unparalleled force for peace and justice. As president of the United States, he was the first to make human rights a centerpiece of his foreign policy and, here at home, to prioritize diverse representation on our federal courts. Even when it made him unpopular, he led with his values — and with his fierce conviction that America could always be better, especially for those who have been left out and left behind for too long.

"After leaving the White House, President Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter carried on their life’s work to house the unsheltered, expand health care access and defend free and fair elections through the Carter Center and Habitat for Humanity. We need more leaders like the Carters, especially leaders from the South, who understand our nation’s long and painful history and recognize that our rights and freedom are bound together.

"Our hearts are with the Carter family, and we join with people across Georgia and the nation in mourning the loss of this lifelong public servant. In honor of President Carter, we must all do our part to preserve and strengthen human rights at home and abroad."

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

"ATL Airport, the City of Atlanta, and the State of Georgia has lost an extraordinary leader with the passing of President Carter. In his honor, our canopies will be illuminated in blue. ATL extends its heartfelt condolences to the Carter family and those impacted by his legacy."

Georgia State University

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. A longtime friend and supporter of Georgia State University, President Carter was a frequent guest and speaker on campus. We honor the incredible life and legacy of the former President."

University of Georgia President Jere W. Morehead

"The University of Georgia joins our state, the nation and the world in mourning the loss of President Jimmy Carter. As a Governor, a President, and a former President, he personified public service and personal sacrifice throughout his life. He set a wonderful example for our students to follow, and his positive influence will be missed. We extend our sincere condolences to the entire Carter family."

Clark Atlanta President Georgia T. French Jr.

It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of President Jimmy Carter, a man of remarkable integrity, faith, and an unwavering commitment to humanity. As the 39th President of the United States and a proud son of Georgia, President Carter leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of service, leadership, and compassion.

Throughout his life, President Carter championed justice, equality, and opportunity for all, including the African American community and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). His tireless advocacy for civil rights and his groundbreaking initiatives to address systematic inequalities reflect a vision of an America where diversity is celebrated, and the promise of equity is fulfilled.

President Carter's dedication to education and access to opportunity was instrumental in the advancement of HBCUs nationwide. During his presidency, he prioritized initiatives that expanded federal support for minority-serving institutions, empowering generations of African American students to achieve their dreams. His unwavering belief in the transformative power of education resonates deeply with Clark Atlanta University and the broader HBCU community.

Beyond his presidency, President Carter's enduring commitment to public service inspired millions. His work through the Carter Center to promote democracy, human rights, and health equity exemplified his belief in the dignity of all people. His legacy serves as a guiding light, reminding us of the power of humility, empathy, and the unwavering resolve to make the world a better place.

On behalf of the Clark Atlanta University family, we extend our deepest condolences to the Carter family and join the nation in honoring the life and legacy of this extraordinary leader. While we grieve his loss, we also celebrate the indelible mark he has left on the world and the enduring lessons of hope and humanity he imparted.

Rest in peace, President Carter. Your legacy will continue to inspire us to strive for justice, equality, and a brighter future for all.

Chattahoochee National Park Conservatory

It’s with profound sadness that we at Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy reflect on the passing of President Jimmy Carter. As a native Georgian, his deep love for the Chattahoochee River resulted in the establishment of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) as part of the National Park System on August 15, 1978. This protected both the land surrounding the river and Atlanta's primary water source, creating a cherished space for recreation and natural beauty amidst urban development.

President Carter's legacy is woven into the very essence of CRNRA. His dedication, along with countless volunteers and organizations, have created a sanctuary where thousands of acres of preserved land can be enjoyed within Atlanta's city limits. Without it, much of this land would have been lost to development, depriving future generations of its natural beauty. We owe a deep gratitude to President Carter for his dedication to the Chattahoochee River, and his memory will always be cherished in our park.

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