World reacts to Jimmy Carter's death aged 100: Ex-president remembered as 'great man' as Obama and Biden lead tributes - RECAP

President Joe Biden and his wife released a statement Sunday night, remembering former President Jimmy Carter as a 'good friend.'

'Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian,' they said.

'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,' the Bidens continued.

'He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism,' they said.

'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.

The First Family also shared their gratitude to Carter's family for 'sharing them with America and the world,' and said they have no doubt his staff will continue his work.

'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.

'He showed that we are great nation because we are a good people – decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong,' they concluded.

Biden noted in remarks Sunday night that his fondest memory of the late Jimmy Carter was when he asked the then-senator for his endorsement for president.

'Maybe my fondest memory of Jimmy Carter was when he grabbed me by the arm and said, "I need you to help me with my campaign." And I said, "I've only been around a couple of years, Mr. Governor."

'He said, "No, it'll make a difference." And I said, "I'm not sure it will." He said, "No, it will."'

Biden was one of the first senators to endorse Carter's 1976 presidential campaign.

'When I endorsed him for president, I told him why I was endorsing him not only for his policies, but his character, his decency, the honor he communicated to everyone,' the president added.

Book publisher Simon & Schuster remembered Carter as a prolific author.

Jonathan Karp, the CEO of the book publishing company, told CNN how 'Carter wrote memoirs, calls to action, fiction, poetry, and children’s books'— everything from 'appreciations of Scripture and nature' to 'advice on how to live a meaningful life.'

Simon & Schuster published 13 of Carter’s 32 total books, and Karp said Carter 'delighted in reading the audiobook versions of his work, for which he won three Grammy awards.'

Sunday evening, as word of Carter’s death spread, several of his past books began to see sudden increases in sales on Amazon.

Jimmy Carter entered hospice care in February 2023 at the age of 98 and had many speculating his final days were near.

But it would be nearly two years until the former U.S. president will be buried alongside his wife Rosalynn, who passed November 19, 2023.

The two entered end-of-life in-home hospice care together at their home in Plains, Georgia.

Jimmy Carter, the longest-living president in US history, has tragically passed away, leaving behind an enormous family, including four children, 11 grandkids, and 14 great-grandchildren.

The 100-year-old 39th President of the United States married his wife, Rosalynn Smith, who died in November 2023 at 96, nearly eight decades ago - in 1946 - and they went on to welcome three sons and one daughter together.

Each of Jimmy's kids have had numerous kids of their own, who have also had numerous kids of their own - resulting in him having a total of 29 descendants.

President Joe Biden is now the country's oldest living president with Sunday's death of 100-year-old President Jimmy Carter.

Despite Biden presently being in office, the 82-year-old was born before all the country's other living presidents: Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump.

Trump, 78, is the second oldest living president.

Vice President Kamala Harris released her own statement Sunday night, remembering Carter as being 'guided by a deep and abiding faith - in God, in America and in humanity.

'Jimmy Carter's life is a testament to the power of service - as a lieutenant in the United States Navy, the 76th governor of Georga and the 39th president of the United States.

'He reminded our nation and the world that there is strength in decency and compassion,' she continued.

'As President, he protected our air and water, promoted transparency in government and brokered an historic peace treaty between Egypt and Israel at Camp David.'

Harris went on to say she had the 'privilege' of knowing Carter.

'I will always remember his kindness, wisdom and profound grace,' she said.

'His life and legacy continue to inspire me and will inspire generations to come.

'Our world is a better place because of President Carter.'

Former President George W Bush and his wife, Laura Bush, remembered Carter as a 'man of deeply held convictions.'

'President Carter dignified the office,' the Bushes said. 'And his efforts to leave behind a better world didn’t end with the presidency.'

The George & Barbara Bush Foundation also remembered the 39th president in a post on Instagram saying Carter 'set the standard for the modern post-presidency.'

'He set the standard for the modern post-presidency, living a life of humble service to others through his humanitarian work at the Carter Center and Habitat for Humanity,' the post said.

'Jimmy Carter was a true Point of Light.'

Joe Biden is now America's oldest living president, following Jimmy Carter's death at 100 - having already clinched the record for the oldest president ever to take office.

Biden turned 82 on November 20, 2024, with questions mounting over his cognitive abilities due to his ongoing gaffes.

There are just four other surviving presidents. Donald Trump, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton are all 78, while Barack Obama is 63.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said he was joining 'all Georgians and the entire nation in mourning' following Carter's death.

'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,' he wrote.

'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.'

'When he left the White House, the Carters’ contributions continued. From teaching Sunday school to congregants and visitors alike over the years to their tireless work supporting Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center’s efforts to address global health issues, Georgians are accustomed to seeing Jimmy Carter hard at work.'

Among the many politicians sharing their condolences on Sunday were US Senators John Barrasso and John Hickenlooper.

Barrasso, the Senate Republican chairman, said Carter 'personified the American spirit of always giving back and never giving up.

'From peanut farmer to president, he lived the American dream,' said Barrasso, of Wyoming.

'America mourns the loss of a dedicated public servant and a humble humanitarian.'

Hickenlooper, a Democrat from Colorado, also said Carter 'was first and foremost a good man, in the purest sense of the words.'

He noted that Carter was a 'champion of human rights, a trailblazer for affordable housing, a veteran [and] a president who never forgot his roots as a peanut farmer.

'There will never be another Jimmy Carter,' Hickenlooper concluded.

Carter's humble roots and astonishing life story encapsulated the American Dream.

Born the son of a peanut farmer in rural Georgia, Carter began his path to the presidency as the longest of longshot candidates.

As a one-term Georgia governor with little national recognition, he became America's first president from the Deep South since 1850.

One Georgia night in 1969, Jimmy Carter looked up over the pine trees and saw a moving orb, as bright as the moon.

He was standing outside the local Lions' Club in Leary, where he was planning to address the meeting. But local politicking quickly vanished from his mind. The orb 'seemed to move toward us from a distance, stop, move partially away, return, then depart,' he said later, describing it as 'bluish at first, then reddish, luminous, not solid.' He called it 'the darndest thing I've ever seen.'

King Charles shared his own statement on the passing of Jimmy Carter.

'It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of President Carter.

'He was a committed public servant, and devoted his life to promoting peace and human rights,' the king said.

'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.'

The son of famed Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. shared his condolences to the former president's family, remembering him for the work he had done to promote civil rights in the United States.

'President Carter was a trailbnlazer, a fighter who punched above his weight,' Martin Luther King III wrote.

He noted that, like his father, Carter 'saw poverty as one of the greatest threats and was determined to eradicate it.

'Over the years, my family found comfort in President Carter's wise counsel and strong leadership,' he noted.

'Even after he left office, he carried on the legacies that my family has long championed, the eradication of the triple evils - poverty, racism and violence.

'We will truly miss President Carter, but we know that he would not want us to be saddened by his death, but proud of the work we've accomplished togehter and resolved to continue the work he started for the generations that come after us.'

The UK's Prime Minister added his voice to the chorus of world leaders who paid tribute to the former president on Sunday, saying he 'redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad.'

Sir Keir Starmer said: 'I was very sorry to hear of President Carter's passing and I would like to pay tribute to his decades of selfless public service.

'His presidency will be remembered for the historic Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, and it was that lifelong dedication to peace that saw him receive the Nobel Peace prize.

'Motivated by his strong faith and values, President Carter redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad.

'Whether supporting elections around the world and spreading healthcare solutions through the Carter Centre or still building homes with Habitat for Humanity into his 90s, Jimmy Carter lived his values in the service of others to the very end.

'My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.'

In their own statement, former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama remembered Carter as a decent man who attended church every week.

They said some Georgians would attend the church 'because of what President Carter accomplished in his four years,' noting how he brokered the Camp David Accords, diversified the judiciary and implemented environmental reforms.

Others, they said, would attend due to what Carter 'accomplished in the longest, and most impactful, post-presidency in American history' in which he monitored free and fair elections, helped eliminate Guinea worm disease and built or repaired thousands of homes in more than a dozen countries as part of Habitat for Humanity.

'But 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,' they noted.

'And he did — advocating for the public good, consequences be damned. He believed some things were more important than reelection — things like integrity, respect, and compassion.

'Because Jimmy Carter believed, as deeply as he believed anything, that we are all created in God’s image. Whenever I had a chance to spend time with President Carter, it was clear that he didn’t just profess these values. He embodied them. And in doing so, he taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service.'

The couple concluded by saying the 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.'

He wrote: 'Sad to learn about the passing of President Jimmy Carter. I join all Americans in saluting President Carter’s lifetime of service—first as a naval officer, then as a senator in the Georgia legislature, then as Governor of Georgia, and, finally, as President of the United States.

'Jimmy Carter set the standard for post-presidential service through his work with Habitat for Humanity. Jennifer and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Carter family.'

Hakeem Jeffries, the leader of the House Democrats, wrote: 'Thankful for the incredible life, legacy and leadership of President Jimmy Carter.

'He was a great man, a great role model and a great humanitarian.

'May President Carter forever Rest in Peace.'

Chuck Schumer wrote in a statement following the news on Sunday: 'Today, we mourn the loss of one of our most humble and devoted public servants, President Jimmy Carter. President Carter personified the true meaning of leadership through service, through compassion, and through integrity.'

From humble beginnings to the White House and back, the United States' 39th President Jimmy Carter shunned greed to live in a modest $223,000 home, fly commercial and teach Sunday school.

Dubbed the 'un-celebrity president', Carter - who died Sunday aged 100 - grew up in Plains, Georgia.

The son of a peanut farmer, he returned to his two-bedroom ranch instead of cashing in on political riches following his tenure.

The incoming President wrote: 'I just heard of the news about the passing of President Jimmy Carter. Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History.

'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.'

Mitch McConnell paid tribute to Jimmy Carter: 'Jimmy Carter’s character and commitment, just like his crops, were fruits of all-American soil.

'After every season when life led him to lofty service far from home, he came back home again, determined to plow his unique experiences and influence into helping others; into building and teaching and volunteering; into further enriching the same rich soil that had made his own life possible.

'President Carter served during times of tension and uncertainty, both at home and abroad. But his calm spirit and deep faith seemed unshakeable.

'Jimmy Carter served as our commander-in-chief for four years, but he served as the beloved, unassuming Sunday school teacher at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia for forty. And his humble devotion leaves us little doubt which of those two important roles he prized the most.

'As Jimmy Carter is reunited with his beloved Rosalynn, our thoughts and prayers are with their children, Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy, their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and the millions of Americans whose lives were touched by his service. We join them in mourning, but also in celebrating that Jimmy Carter is now reaping an eternal harvest in Heaven.'

Sanders wrote in tribute: 'Jimmy Carter, both for what he did as president and in his later years, will be remembered as a decent, honest and down-to-earth man.

'He will be sorely missed. Jane and I send our condolences to the Carter family.'

Buttigieg wrote, following the death of Jimmy Carter: 'President Jimmy Carter’s leadership, intellect, and moral example ennobled our country, during and ever since his presidency.

'President and Mrs. Carter were also extraordinarily gracious and kind to Chasten and me, receiving us warmly at their home and making us feel like friends even as we sat amazed by their presence and grace.

'There will not be another like President Carter, but his life and example will continue to make America and the world a better place for generations to come.'

As is custom after the death of a president or former president, the US flag will fly at half-staff for 30 days at all federal buildings, grounds and naval vessels throughout America.

The flag at half-mast symbolizes the nation in mourning.

The US Holocaust Museum wrote in a statement: '“Out of our memory and understanding we must forge an unshakable oath with all civilized people that never again will the world stand silent …”

'We mourn the passing of President Jimmy Carter, whose presidential commission recommended establishing our Museum.'

Keisha Lance Bottoms, who is the former Senior Advisor to President Biden, paid tribute to Carter.

She wrote: 'Simply put, President Jimmy Carter was a good man. He was the epitome of a servant leader, changing the world and setting the highest example of what it meant to honor God, family, and country. May his legacy of unselfish leadership and work to serve “the least of these” inspire us all to make the world a better place.'

New York City's iconic landmark will pay tribute to the former president tonight.

Chip Carter, the former president’s son, paid tribute to his late father.

He 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.'

The formal statement read: 'Jimmy Carter, 39th president of the United States and winner of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, died peacefully Sunday, Dec. 29, at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family. He was 100, the longest-lived president in U.S. history.

'President Carter is survived by his children — Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rosalynn, and one grandchild.'

Journalist and broadcaster Piers Morgan paid tribute to the former president, calling him one of the 'wisest' world leaders he ever met.

Morgan wrote: 'RIP President Jimmy Carter, 100. A remarkable person who was the epitome of the phrase ‘public service.’ I had the honour of interviewing him 3 times, and he was one of , modest, and human world leaders I’ve ever met. A great man.'

New York Attorney General Letitia James has paid tribute to Jimmy Carter.

She wrote: 'President Carter dedicated his life to serving the American people, and his memory will live on. I’m sending my condolences to his family, loved ones, and every community he’s touched throughout his time with us.'

Mourners from across the world have come together online to grieve the loss of Jimmy Carter, after the former president died at the age of 11.