The White House Statement on Jimmy Carter’s Death

Statement by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden on the Passing of Former

President 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.

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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.

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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.

To honor a great American, I will be ordering an official state funeral to be held in

Washington D.C. for James Earl Carter, Jr., 39th President of the United States, 76th

Governor of Georgia, Lieutenant of the United States Navy, graduate of the United States

Naval Academy, and favorite son of Plains, Georgia, who gave his full life in service to God

and country.