World leaders expressed heartfelt condolences following the death of former US President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100 at his home in Georgia’s Plains on Sunday.
Democrat leader Carter, who served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981, was the longest living president in US history and widely admired for his integrity and humanitarian efforts.
Carter’s presidency was marked by his focus on human rights and diplomacy. Post-presidency, he continued to champion democracy, peace, and humanitarian causes, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
Tributes poured in from across the globe, reflecting on his political career:
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised Carter’s “decades of selfless public service” in a tribute posted on X:
“Very sorry to hear of President Carter’s passing. I pay tribute to his decades of selfless public service. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”
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French President Emmanuel Macron honoured Carter as a steadfast advocate for the vulnerable and a tireless fighter for peace: “Throughout his life, Jimmy Carter was a steadfast advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable and tirelessly fought for peace. France sends its heartfelt thoughts to his family and to the American people.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reflected on Carter’s legacy of supporting democratic values, even when Ukraine was not yet independent: “We deeply appreciate his steadfast commitment to Christian faith and democratic values, as well as his unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s unprovoked aggression. Today, let us remember: peace matters, and the world must remain united in standing against those who threaten these values.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted Carter’s rise from humble beginnings and his profound impact on lives worldwide: “President Jimmy Carter gave a century of noble service to the country he loved, to the cause of peace, and to the lives of people in need all around the world. Jimmy Carter was a person of deep faith and a true humanitarian who dedicated his post-Presidential life to eradicating…”
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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called Carter a “lifelong humanitarian,” adding: “Jimmy Carter’s legacy is one of compassion, kindness, empathy, and hard work. He served others both at home and around the world his entire life — and he loved doing it. He was always thoughtful and generous with his advice to me. My deepest condolences to the Carter family, his many loved ones, and the American people.”
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden also paid tribute, describing Carter as a man of great character and courage.
The White House announced that an official state funeral would be held in Washington, DC, to honor Carter’s lifetime of service to the country and humanity.
Carter’s death was confirmed by his son, James E Carter III, though no immediate cause was provided. According to a statement from the Carter Center in February 2023, the former president had opted for hospice care at home following a series of hospital stays. In recent years, Carter had been treated for melanoma, which had spread to his liver and brain.