Biden Respond to Death of Former President Jimmy Carter

Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, received a visit from President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at their home in Plains, Georgia on April 19, 2021 (Official White House Photo by Adam Schultz).

President Biden addresses the nation as he mourns the loss of his dear friend, James Earl Carter Jr.

Article by Ella Doda, Senior Political Correspondent

SAINT CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands - On Sunday, December 29th, 2024, Former President of the United States Jimmy Carter died peacefully in his home surrounded by family in Plains, GA. At 100 years old, Jimmy Carter was the oldest living president, surpassing George H.W. Bush in 2019, and became the first American president to reach 100 years old this past year. Throughout his life, Carter devoted his time to giving back to the American people. His humanitarian work with the Carter Center, a non-profit he and his wife, Rosalynn Carter created, envisioned a world where people are treated equally, can reach their full potential, and live in dignity. He and his wife volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and various other humanitarian non-profit organizations for years, working towards more affordable and accessible housing for Americans throughout the world. He is greatly remembered in Georgia for his local impact both as a volunteer and as a member of the Maranatha Baptist Church, where he was a Sunday school teacher. After his presidency in 1981, Carter continued to share his wisdom with the world and make strides toward a more equitable, safe, and compassionate America.  

Jimmy Carter has had a lifetime of public service, serving his country as the 39th President of the United States, 76th Governor of Georgia, Georgia State Senator, Lieutenant of the United States Navy, a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, and a Nobel Peace Prize winner. 

President Biden, who has known former President Carter for over six decades, addressed the nation on Sunday, “he was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism…to all 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…he showed that we are a great nation because we are a good people.” Biden shared his favorite memories of his time spent with Carter such as in the 1970s when then-Georgia governor asked Biden for help on his presidential campaign. Despite only being in politics for a few years at this point, Biden explains how Carter believed in him and said his help would make a difference in his campaign. 

When asked what President-elect Donald Trump should learn from Carter’s legacy, he replied, “Decency, decency, decency.” President Biden’s speech follows Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vances’ own statements about the passing of Jimmy Carter via X. 

Former President Carter leaves behind a remarkable legacy–one filled with empathy, courage, compassion, and hope for a better world. He is the epitome of what it means to devote your life to changing others’ lives and will forever be remembered for the impacts he has made both as President of the United States and after leaving the Oval Office. “To the entire Carter family, we send our gratitude for sharing them with America and the world,” President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden write in a joint statement as they mourn the loss of their dear friend. 

President Biden has appointed January 9, 2024, as a National Day of Mourning throughout the United States and on which day the state funeral will take place on. “I call on the American people to assemble on that day in their respective places of worship, there to pay homage to the memory of President James Earl Carter, Jr.,” he remarks. The official state funeral will be held in Washington, D.C. and the list of attendees will be released shortly. Former President Carter’s foundation, the Carter Center, is asking those whose lives have been positively impacted by Carter to write a virtual condolence card for him. America is fortunate to have had a fearless and selfless leader serve our country for 100 years, somebody who embodied the very best of America, as Biden notes. His legacy will remain in the history books for decades to come.