The 39th President of the United States, President Jimmy Carter, passed away on December 29 in hospice care after a long battle with cancer. President Carter had his 100th birthday in October and was the longest-living US President in history.
People from across the country and the globe shared their condolences for the family and their gratitude for his service to the nation in the Navy, as Governor of Georgia, President of the United States, and perhaps most fondly as what many call ‘The Best Ex-President Ever”.
Carter and his wife Rosalynn set up the Carter Center after his presidency and worked around the world for free and fair elections, human rights, and, right here at home, taking up hammer and saw and building homes for those in need.
New Yorkers of all political stripes spoke fondly of the former president. Regardless of party affiliation, President Carter was widely respected and revered for his integrity, humility, and abundant good works throughout his life.
President-elect Donald Trump said, "I just heard of the news about the passing of President Jimmy Carter. Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History. 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. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude."
Governor Kathy Hochul said, “ President Jimmy Carter embodied decency and integrity throughout his life of public service. I'll never forget as a teenager meeting him in Buffalo. He was an inspiration to me and so many Americans. He was an inspiration to me and so many Americans. Our hearts are with the Carter family during this difficult time.”
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY17) said, “Today, we mourn the loss of one of our most humble and devoted public servants, President Jimmy Carter. President Carter personified the true meaning of leadership through service, through compassion, and through integrity.
New York Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt (R) said, “President Jimmy Carter was a true embodiment of the American dream, working from peanut farmer in rural Georgia all the way to President of the United States. Regardless of political party, we respect his contributions to our American story. My prayers are with the Carter Family during their time of loss.”
Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said, “Today, we mourn the loss of one of our most humble and devoted public servants, President Jimmy Carter. President Carter personified the true meaning of leadership through service, through compassion, and through integrity.”
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY21) said, “The bond of our common humanity is stronger than the divisiveness of our fears and prejudices.” —President Jimmy Carter President Carter was a true American patriot whose dedicated service to our nation will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace.”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) said, “President Jimmy Carter was America's longest-living president in history, but he will be remembered for far more than that. He was a true public servant who dedicated his life to giving back and not just during his presidency. We all witnessed it with the work he did with Habitat for Humanity. He lived an honorable and good life — a true American. May he rest in peace with his beloved wife, Rosalynn.”
New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D), said “President Jimmy Carter was a devoted public servant, a lifelong activist, and a prolific humanitarian. I am devastated to hear of his passing, but I know that his legacy will live on through the work of the Carter Center and the thousands of people he influenced throughout his life. My thoughts are with his family today. He will be deeply missed.”
New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli (D) said, “President Jimmy Carter guided the U.S. during turbulent times. After his presidency, he continued to work tirelessly for peace and justice at home and around the world, earning a Nobel Peace Prize, all while volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. With humility and his steadfast moral compass, he redefined the role of a former president. May he rest in peace.”