Welcome and opening summary …
Tributes have continued to pour in for Jimmy Carter, the former US president who died aged 100 on Sunday.
The 39th president of the United States was a tireless advocate for global health and human rights, and president Joe Biden has declared a national day of mourning for 9 January, describing Carter as an “extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian.”
“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,” Biden said in a statement.
Incoming president Donald Trump said in a statement on his Truth Social network that Carter “did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans” and the nation owed Carter “a debt of gratitude.”
World leaders have also paid effusive tributes, with the UK’s King Charles saying Carter’s “dedication and humility served as an inspiration to many”, and France’s president Emmanuel Macron describing him as “a steadfast advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable.”
Key events
Here is the text of president Joe Biden’s statement on the death of Jimmy Carter:
Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian.
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.
He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism. 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.
To the entire Carter family, we send our gratitude for sharing them with America and the world. To their staff – from the earliest days to the final ones – we have no doubt that you will continue to do the good works that carry on their legacy.
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.
Other US political figures to pay tribute to Jimmy Carter include US House speaker Mike Johnson and senior Republican senator Mitch McConnell.
McConnell said “President Carter served during times of tension and uncertainty, both at home and abroad. But his calm spirit and deep faith seemed unshakeable.”
Johnson said “President Carter’s story was one of humble beginnings, and his life is a testament to the boundless opportunities available in this great nation. Because of his work in brokering the Camp David accords and his advocacy with Habitat for Humanity, the world is a more peaceful place, and more Americans have a place to call home. No one can deny that President Carter led an extraordinary life of service to his country. May he rest in peace.”
Our video team have produced this obituary for Jimmy Carter, the former US president who died on Sunday aged 100.
If you would like something to listen to, we have a special edition of our Politics Weekly America podcast, in which Jonathan Freedland talks to Jimmy Carter’s biographer, Jonathan Alter, about why history should look favourably on the peanut farmer turned politician. You can find that here …
Jimmy Carter was the longest-lived US president, and his death was announced yesterday after he had spent 22 months in hospice care. Senior US politicians have paid tribute, among them vice president Kamala Harris and incoming vice president JD Vance.
Harris said “President Jimmy Carter was 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 US navy, the 76th governor of Georgia, and the 39th president of the US. He reminded our nation and the world that there is strength in decency and compassion.”
Vance said in a statement “Jimmy Carter dedicated his life to serving this country. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones. May he rest in peace.”
Welcome and opening summary …
Tributes have continued to pour in for Jimmy Carter, the former US president who died aged 100 on Sunday.
The 39th president of the United States was a tireless advocate for global health and human rights, and president Joe Biden has declared a national day of mourning for 9 January, describing Carter as an “extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian.”
“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,” Biden said in a statement.
Incoming president Donald Trump said in a statement on his Truth Social network that Carter “did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans” and the nation owed Carter “a debt of gratitude.”
World leaders have also paid effusive tributes, with the UK’s King Charles saying Carter’s “dedication and humility served as an inspiration to many”, and France’s president Emmanuel Macron describing him as “a steadfast advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable.”