Joe Biden & Donald Trump lead tributes to ‘extraordinary leader and humanitarian’ Jimmy Carter after his death aged 100
TOUCHING tributes for the late Jimmy Carter have started to flood in for the “extraordinary leader” who has died aged 100.
Joe Biden and Donald Trump have led the heartfelt messages to the beloved former president whose death was confirmed by his family earlier today.
Carter, the oldest president in history, and the only one to become a centenarian, has been survived by five other American commander-in-chiefs who have all left touching homages to the great man.
President-elect Donald Trump remembered Carter for his leadership and urged Americans to keep the late president’s loved ones in their “hearts and prayers”.
Trump wrote on Truth Social: “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.”
He later posted a second statement which acknowledged the pair’s political and philosophical differences but praised Carter’s clear love for America.
“He truly loved and respected our Country, and all it stands for,” Trump added.
“He worked hard to make America a better place, and for that I give him my highest respect.
“He was a truly good man and, of course, will be greatly missed. He was also very consequential, far more than most Presidents, after he left the Oval Office.”
The man Trump is set to replace in the White House in just a few weeks time in Joe Biden described Carter as an “extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian”.
The fellow Democrat and close friend posted the loving tribute alongside his wife Jill.
They said: “Over six decades, we had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend.”
“He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism. We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together.”
Joe, 82, has now taken on the title as the oldest living president following the passing of Carter.
Barack Obama – the youngest living American leader – commended the late humanitarian with his wife Michelle.
They said: “Maranatha Baptist Church will be a little quieter on Sundays, but President Carter will never be far away — buried alongside Rosalynn next to a willow tree down the road, his memory calling all of us to heed our better angels.
“Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from this remarkable man.”
Former President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary also praised Carter’s commitment to service.
They praised him for his “long and good life” and applauded his belief in faith and selflessness.
The final remaining president, George W. Bush, joined his wife Laura to call Carter “a man of deeply held convictions” who “dignified the office“.
US vice president Kamala Harris made a similar statement praising Carter’s “deep and abiding faith in God, America and in humanity”.
“He reminded our nation and the world that there is strength in decency and compassion,” she continued.
“I had the privilege of knowing President Carter for years. I will always remember his kindness, wisdom, and profound grace.”
International tributes
Tributes to the statesman even came from overseas as the UK’s Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer lauded Carter’s service.
The British PM said he “redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad”.
King Charles III also described the former US president as a “committed public servant” who “devoted his life to promoting peace”.
Sir Tony Blair soon followed with a powerful statement.
It read: “Jimmy Carter’s life was a testament to public service; from his time in office, and the Camp David Accords, to his remarkable commitment to the cause of people and peace round the world over the past 40 years.
“I always had the greatest respect for him, his spirit and his dedication.
“He fundamentally cared and consistently toiled to help those in need.”
The Empire State Building is also set to be lit up in red, white and blue in honour of Carter and the legacy he has left behind for the American people.
French president Emmanuel Macron also sent his condolences to the Carter family on behalf of France.
PRESIDENT CARTER
Carter, the 39th president of the United States, has died after nearly two years in hospice care.
His son Chip Carter confirmed the former president died at his Georgia home on Sunday around 3:45 pm ET.
Carter peacefully passed away surrounded by his family who paid an emotional tribute to the former leader.
His son Chip said: “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love.
“My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs.
“The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.”
Public events will commemorate Carter in Atlanta and Washington, D.C. and a state funeral will be held, The Carter Center confirmed.
The former president decided to live out the remainder of his days at his home in Plains, Georgia.
Carter, the beloved Democrat and Nobel Peace Prize winner, had experienced several health issues in recent years including melanoma that spread to his liver and brain.
He became the longest-living president and the first to make it 100 years old.
Carter’s death came over a year after the death of his wife, Rosalynn Carter, who died on November 19, 2023, at age 96.
Two days before her death, Rosalynn joined her husband in hospice care at their home in Georgia.
The former first lady and fierce advocate for mental health was diagnosed with dementia in early 2023.
Before his death, Jimmy Carter was the first to pay tribute to his wife of 77 years, “Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished.
“She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me.”