President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden memorialized former President Carter, who died Sunday, as a “dear friend” who “saved, uplifted and changed lives around the world.”
“For more than 60 years, we were honored to call Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But the great thing about Jimmy Carter is that there are many people across America and around the world who have never met him. Millions of others likewise considered him a dear friend,'' President Biden said in a statement Sunday afternoon.
“He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism. We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together. Shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Love is the definition of partnership and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism,” the statement continued.
President Biden said that while he will be “very sad to see them go,” he and Jill Biden “take comfort in knowing that they will be reunited and will remain in our hearts forever.” he said.
Carter died peacefully Sunday in Plains, Georgia, according to the Carter Center. He turned 100 in October, making him the longest-lived president in U.S. history.
The Carter Center announced on February 18, 2023, that the former president will begin receiving hospice care after a series of short hospitalizations and has chosen to “spend the remainder of his time at home with his family” rather than undergo additional medical intervention. did.
Carter's longevity was remarkable. He holds the record as the oldest living former U.S. president and has overcome numerous health scares in recent years.
He lived to see his own vice president, Walter Mondale, die in 2021 and former President George H.W. Bush, his running mate on Reagan's ticket, die in 2018.
Rosalynn Carter passed away at the age of 96 on November 19, 2023, just days after entering hospice care. She was diagnosed with dementia in March.
President Biden said in a statement that he thanked the entire Carter family “for sharing with America and the world.” He also encouraged young people to learn about former President Carter, who was “a man of principle, faith and humility.”
“He showed us that we are a great nation because we are a good people, civil and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong.”
