Jimmy Carter family grateful for ‘outpouring of love and support’ after president’s death
The family of former President Jimmy Carter released a statement Thursday thanking supporters for their words of kindness following Carter’s death.
“The outpouring of love and support we have received from around the world confirms what we have known all along — Jimmy Carter’s family extends far beyond blood relatives,” the Carter family said.
Carter, who died at his home in Plains Dec. 29, was known for his humanitarian work that included supporting mental health, researching infectious diseases and pushing for peace around the world.
Georgia leaders were among the legions of people who expressed admiration for Carter in the wake of his death.
Democratic Sens. Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock issued statements Sunday, with Warnock referring to Carter as “one of my heroes.”
“His leadership was driven by love, his life’s project grounded in compassion and a commitment to human dignity,” Warnock said. “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.”
Brad Raffensperger, Georgia Secretary of State, said Carter devoted his life to serving America.
“As a true servant-leader, he devoted his post-presidency to spreading the very best of American ideals across the globe,” Raffensperger said in a statement Sunday. “His commitment to peace, democracy, and human rights has left an indelible mark on the world.”
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp praised Carter as a symbol of Georgia’s importance to the nation.
“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,” Kemp said in a post on X. “And as a son of Plains, he always valued Georgians and the virtues of our state, choosing to return to his rural home after his time in public office.”
National leaders expressed their support as well, with President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden praising Carter’s work to better Americans’ lives.
“He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism,” the Bidens said.
President-elect Donald Trump echoed a similar statement and said Americans owe Carter their gratitude.
“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,” Trump said in a post to Truth Social.
Funeral arrangements for Carter were announced earlier this week. He will be honored in multiple places, including with a ceremony in Atlanta, and will lie in state at the U.S. Capitol before returning to Plains to be buried.
This story was originally published January 2, 2025 at 2:29 PM.