Remembering Jimmy Carter: Tributes pour in after death of former Pres. Carter

ATLANTA — Local, state and national leaders are reacting to the death of former President Jimmy Carter.

The former president died at his home in Plains, Ga. on Sunday afternoon. He was 100, making him the longest-lived president in U.S. history.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

President-elect Donald Trump says we all owe former President Carter “a debt of gratitude.”

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp says he and his family are joining the nation in mourning the loss of Georgia’s native son.

Vice President Kamala Harris called the former president an inspiration.

Senator Jon Ossoff says the former president will be remembered for his “commitment to democracy and human rights, his enduring faith, his philanthropic leadership, and his deep love of family.”

Senator Raphael Warnock called former President Carter one of his heroes.

“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.”

—  Senator Raphael Warnock

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens recalled growing up in a Georgia led by then-Governor Andre Dickens, remembering saying the Pledge of Allegiance while facing a photo of the former president.

“Today, Atlanta mourns Georgia’s only President.

“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.”

—  Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger acknowledged that the former president is now reunited with his first lady, Rosalynn Carter, who died last year.

Congressman Hank Johnson called former President Carter’s “selfless service to mankind...unparalleled.”

Congresswoman Nikema Williams says she named her only son, Carter, after the former president. “I strive everyday to make sure my Carter embodies his namesake’s humility and commitment to service,” she wrote.

“Throughout his extraordinary life, President Jimmy Carter was a force for peace, human rights, and a voice for marginalized communities. The once peanut farmer from Plains, Georgia became a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, reminding us that everyday people have the power to change the world.

My husband, Leslie, and I named our only son, Carter, after this great President. I will always remember the time my two-year-old Carter met the former President. After finding a stuffed pig in President Carter’s box of toys, my Carter insisted the former leader of the free world play with him, oinking just like a pig. President Carter obliged with the same kindness he showed throughout his life. I strive everyday to make sure my Carter embodies his namesake’s humility and commitment to service.

My family sends our deepest condolences to the entire Carter family during this incredibly difficult time.”

—  Congresswoman Nikema Williams

Georgia Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones called the former president “an exemplary statesman” who was “kind, wonderful, accepting and exactly what [he] portrayed every day.”

“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.”

—  Georgia Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones

Vice President-elect JD Vance commended Carter for his dedication.

RELATED STORIES:

• Jimmy Carter, 39th President of the United States, dead at age 100
• Remembering Jimmy Carter: former president becomes 1 of only 2 Georgians to win Nobel Peace Prize
• One of Jimmy Carter’s biggest accomplishments – brokering peace between Egypt & Israel
• The Carters: What you know may be wrong (or not quite right)

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

©2024 Cox Media Group