Tributes pour in for former U.S. President Jimmy Carter

McALLEN, Texas – U.S. Sen. John Cornyn has paid his respects to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.

The 39th president of the United States passed away Sunday at the age of 100, the Carter Center announced. The Nobel Peace Prize winner was the oldest living president in American history.

“As a naval officer, Georgia state senator, governor, and President of the United States, Jimmy Carter served our nation with honor,” said Sen. Cornyn. “His love for his home state of Georgia and for those he served through his beloved Maranatha Baptist Church and charities like Habitat for Humanity was evident throughout his life, and his legacy will remain a cherished part of our great American story. My prayers are with the entire Carter family during this time.”

In a press release, Cornyn pointed out that Carter was born Oct. 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, and grew up in the nearby community of Archery. 

“He received a bachelor’s degree from the United States Naval Academy in 1946. He became a Navy submariner, serving in both the Atlantic and Pacific fleets and rising to the rank of lieutenant. Following his father’s death in 1953, Carter resigned his naval commission and returned with his family to Georgia. He quickly became a community leader, serving on county boards supervising education, the hospital authority, and the library. In 1962, Carter was elected to the Georgia State Senate. Nearly a decade later, he became Georgia’s 76^th governor in 1971 and was eventually elected president in 1976,” the press release said.

New York Times best-selling author and former TV and radio news reporter James C. Moore remembers covering a rally Carter held in McAllen, Texas.

“He was the first presidential candidate I covered as a young radio reporter. Nov. 2, 1976, he stopped in McAllen for a rally downtown in Archer Park across from what was then the La Posada Hotel. I filed stories for the old TXN radio network,” Moore said.

“I later traveled with him in ’80 and attended an event he had for Walter Mondale at his peanut farm in ‘84. He is the only politician who has earned my unwavering respect. He was a man of unflinching principle who simply wanted to do good.”

Rosalynn Carter, the former president’s wife of more than 75 years, who was known for her mental health advocacy and humanitarian work, died in November 2023 at the aged of 96. The Carters were the longest married presidential couple in US history.

Editor’s Note: Click here to read the BBC’s look back on Carter’s life.

France President Emmanuel Macron issued this statement on the former president’s passing:

”Throughout his life, Jimmy Carter has been a steadfast advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable and has tirelessly fought for peace. France sends its heartfelt thoughts to his family and to the American people.”

Former U.S. President George W. Bush described Carter as “a man of deeply held convictions.”

Bush said: “He was loyal to his family, his community, and his country. President Carter dignified the office. And his efforts to leave behind a better world didn’t end with the presidency. His work with Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations. We join our fellow citizens in giving thanks for Jimmy Carter and in prayer for his family.”

President-elect Donald J. Trump said: “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.”

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said: “President Carter’s story was one of humble beginnings, and his life is a testament to the boundless opportunities available in this great nation. Because of his work in brokering the Camp David Accords and his advocacy with Habitat for Humanity, the world is a more peaceful place, and more Americans have a place to call home. No one can deny that President Carter led an extraordinary life of service to his country. May he rest in peace.”

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Carter “redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad.”

His Majesty King Charles issued this statement:

“It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of former President Carter. He was a committed public servant, and devoted his life to promoting peace and human rights. His dedication and humility served as an inspiration to many, and I remember with great fondness his visit to the United Kingdom in 1977. My thoughts and prayers are with President Carter’s family and the American people at this time.”

Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris said she 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,” Harris said. 

“He protected our air and water, promoted transparency in government, and brokered an historic peace treaty between Egypt and Israel at Camp David. He reminded our nation and the world that there is strength in decency and compassion.”

Former President Barack Obama said hundreds of tourists from around the world crammed into the pews of Maranatha Baptist Church, where Carter taught Sunday school.

“I’m willing to bet that many people in that church on Sunday morning were there, at least in part, because of something more fundamental: President Carter’s decency,” Obama said. “Elected in the shadow of Watergate, Jimmy Carter promised voters that he would always tell the truth. And he did – advocating for the public good, consequences be damned. He taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service.”

Obama added: “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.”

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden issued this statement:

“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.”

Editor’s Note: The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service will bring more tributes as they come in.

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