Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100. He passed away on Sunday after spending more than a year in hospice care. Carter, a Georgia peanut farmer, served one term in the White House before becoming known as a global humanitarian and champion of democracy.
President Joe Biden took a break from his family vacation in the U.S. Virgin Islands to remember Carter, calling him a role model and friend. James Earl Carter Jr., the 39th and longest-lived U.S. president, died in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. The people of Plains remembered Carter on Sunday.
New York’s iconic Empire State Building was lit up in red, white, and blue on Sunday night in honor of Carter’s passing. Many photos have been shared highlighting key moments from Carter’s life, including his acceptance speech at the 1976 Democratic National Convention, shaking hands with people along a parade route in Kentucky, and helping build a Habitat for Humanity house in Louisiana. Carter’s remarkable life included notable achievements such as the Camp David Accords and his post-presidential humanitarian work with Habitat for Humanity.
His legacy as a peacemaker and advocate for human rights will endure. Carter’s journey from a humble peanut farmer to the 39th President of the United States and then to a revered global humanitarian had a significant impact on the world. He will be remembered for his dedication to peace, democracy, and service to humanity.
Following the death of former President Jimmy Carter, Donald Trump expressed his respect for the nation’s 39th president, despite his earlier criticisms. Trump had often labeled Carter as the worst president in history, but in a statement released after Carter’s death, Trump acknowledged his respect for the former leader. At Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s estate in Palm Beach, Florida, flags were flying at half-staff on Monday to honor Carter.
Trump called Carter “a truly good man” who will be missed, despite their history of animosity.
Nation mourns President Carter’s passing
Carter had a disdain for Trump as well, once quipping that Americans apparently wanted “kind of a jerk” as their leader.
Despite their differences, there were fleeting moments of civility between the two. Carter was the first former president to RSVP for Trump’s inauguration and suggested in 2017 that the media had been harder on Trump than on any other president. Trump’s narrative about “the worst president ever” evolved over time, initially assigning the label to Carter, then to former President Barack Obama, and later to President Joe Biden.
After Carter’s passing, Trump issued statements acknowledging their philosophical and political differences but also recognizing Carter’s dedication to the country. “While I strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically, I also realized that he truly loved and respected our Country, and all it stands for,” Trump wrote. “He worked hard to make America a better place, and for that I give him my highest respect.”
The United States will observe a national day of mourning on Jan.
9 in honor of President Jimmy Carter, coinciding with his official state funeral at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. In Arizona, several public services and institutions will be closed in recognition of this day. The New York Stock Exchange will be closed on Jan. 9, including the trading of all U.S. equities and options.
Bond markets will remain open but will close early at 2 p.m. ET. The Supreme Court building will also be closed, and federal offices will be closed, although essential federal workers may still be required to work. The United States Postal Service will be closed as well.
National days of mourning do not mandate the closure of businesses or banks, so most are expected to remain open. Flags across the country will fly at half-staff for 30 days in tribute to President Carter. Residents of Arizona should plan accordingly for these closures and observances on Jan.
9 as the nation comes together to honor the legacy of President Jimmy Carter.
