Former presidents joined world leaders and others in mourning former President Jimmy Carter after his death on Sunday at 100, recalling him as a humble humanitarian and global statesman who fought for peace and democracy during his four years in the White House and in his long and active post-presidency.
As news of Mr. Carter’s death at his home in Plains, Ga., spread across the world, others who have occupied the Oval Office paid tribute to his life, saying he had been guided by his Christian faith and his dedication to charity and kindness.
They remembered him not only for accomplishments in office, but also for his work through the Carter Center, which he and his wife, Rosalynn, founded after his presidency to promote peace, fight disease and combat social inequality.
President Biden, who was a first-term senator from Delaware when Mr. Carter was elected president in 1976, called Mr. Carter a “dear friend” who “saved, lifted and changed the lives of people all across the globe.”
“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,” Mr. Biden said in a statement. He added that young Americans and “anyone in search of what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning” should look to Jimmy Carter.
Former President Bill Clinton, who had a complicated relationship with Mr. Carter but seemed to cement his friendship with him when he awarded Mr. and Mrs. Carter the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1999, said in a statement that Mr. Carter was a leader “guided by faith” who “worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world.”
Mr. Clinton applauded Mr. Carter for reaching a peace deal between Egypt and Israel, and for his advancement of environmental protections.
He also praised Mr. Carter for his charitable works, including as a volunteer over more than 30 years for Habitat for Humanity, which builds affordable housing. Even as a frail figure in his later years, Mr. Carter swung a hammer and wielded a drill on the group’s home-building projects, solidifying his image as a man who put his beliefs into action.
Former President George W. Bush mentioned this work in a statement on Sunday, noting that “his efforts to leave behind a better world didn’t end with the presidency.” Mr. Bush said that Mr. Carter “was a man of deeply held convictions” and “dignified” the presidential office.
Former President Barack Obama recalled Mr. Carter not only for his accomplishments in diplomacy and domestic affairs, but also for his fundamental integrity, respect and compassion. “Whenever I had a chance to spend time with President Carter, it was clear that he didn’t just profess these values,” Mr. Obama said in a post on Medium. “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.”
Mr. Obama said hundreds of people would come to hear Mr. Carter speak on the occasional Sunday morning at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains. While many came to hear an accomplished former president preach, Mr. Obama said that many showed up because of “President Carter’s decency.”
President-elect Donald J. Trump noted the “enormous responsibility” that American presidents carry and said it was a burden that only the members of the “very exclusive club” of former presidents could relate to.
“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,” Mr. Trump wrote on Truth Social, his social media platform. “For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.”
In October, Mr. Trump was the only living president or former president who did not contribute a video message to Mr. Carter for his 100th birthday. Instead, on a campaign stop in Wisconsin, Mr. Trump said Mr. Carter was happy because his presidency was successful compared with that of Mr. Biden, whom Mr. Trump deemed “the worst.”
Mr. Trump and other members of the “exclusive club” that is the presidency will have a chance to gather early in the new year, when Mr. Carter’s funeral is expected to take place.
