President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden issued a joint statement honoring former President Jimmy Carter, who died on Sunday afternoon at 100 years old.
The statement from the White House, shared early Sunday evening, mourned how both the United States and the world lost “an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian.” Biden noted that he had been able to call Carter a “dear friend” for the last 60 years, adding that many people “who never met him” also felt the same way.
“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,” the statement said. “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 statement also noted that while Carter and his wife, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, will both be missed “dearly,” the two will “remain forever in our hearts.”
Biden also announced an official state funeral to be held for Carter in Washington, D.C. No date for the funeral was included in the announcement.
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President-elect Donald Trump has similarly issued a statement mourning Carter’s death, posting on Truth Social that Carter did “everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans” during his presidency.
Carter’s death occurred less than three months after his 100th birthday, making him the first former president to live for a century. Previously, former President George H.W. Bush was the oldest living former president before he died at 94 years old in 2018.