>
Tributes and well wishes have poured in for former US President Jimmy Carter, who on Saturday announced that he has refused ongoing medical treatment and would enter hospice care at home along with his wife Rosalynn.
Carter, the 39th president of the United States who led the nation from 1977 to 1981, received praise from both sides of the political spectrum, lauded for his unwavering commitment to public service long after his term.
Texas Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee called him an “American treasure and icon” who displayed a “caring conscience” and posted an image of a bruised and battered 95-year-old Carter helping build houses with the nonprofit Habitat for The humanity.
Former Democratic Senator Al Franken simply called Carter the “greatest former president by far,” while political commentator and comedian Jon Stewart described him as “one of the kindest and most thoughtful people I’ve ever had the honor of knowing.” He was the best of us.
On Sunday, US President Joe Biden also paid tribute to fellow Democrat Carter, 98, writing on Twitter: “We admire you for the strength and humility you have shown in difficult times.
‘May you continue on your way with grace and dignity, and may God grant you peace.’
Former President Jimmy Carter reacts as his wife Rosalynn Carter speaks during a reception to celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary, July 10, 2021, in Plains, Ga.
President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter dance at a White House Capitol Ball in 1977. The couple celebrated 76 years of marriage earlier this year.
Texas Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee called Democrat Carter an “American treasure and icon.”
Comedian and political commentator Jon Stewart pays tribute to Carter
Former comedian and Democratic Senator Al Franken called Carter the “greatest former president by far.”
Former United States President Jimmy Carter sits with his wife, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, while having dinner at the home of a friend, Jill Stuckey, and is interviewed by reporters on Saturday, August 4, 2018.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill visited Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter at their home in Plains, Georgia, in May 2021.
After several hospital stays, Carter has decided to spend her “remaining time” at home, her nonprofit foundation The Carter Center announced Saturday.
Carter, the oldest living former president and Nobel peace laureate, lives in Plains, Georgia, with his wife Rosalynn.
James Earl Jimmy Carter, Jr. (born 1924) 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981. Governor of Georgia 1971-1975
Many of the tributes paid to him via social media spoke to the quality of his character, praising his efforts to help people regardless of their political views.
David Axelrod, a senior adviser to Barack Obama, said of Carter’s transition to hospice care: “Very sad news about a remarkable man and a great American, who has done so much for the world. Thinking of President Carter and his family.
Even right-wing, pro-Trump lobbyist Roger Stone paid tribute to Carter’s life and legacy, writing: “Jimmy Carter was not a great president, but he is a good man, a patriotic American and an honest Christian… God bless you”. him.’
Actress and activist Mia Farrow tweeted a lengthy thread praising her life’s work, noting in particular her role with the housing charity Habitat for Humanity and her efforts to improve access to healthcare in the developing world.
“Prayers, gratitude and love for this fine person who has given so much to the world,” he said.
Maria Shriver, a niece of John F. Kennedy and a former first lady of California, said he was an example to all.
‘This man moves humanity forward every day. He is an inspiration,” he said. ‘Devoted his entire life to public service. I send him and his family my love, my respect, my support.
And New York Times columnist Nick Kristof tweeted: “I have been lucky enough to meet many presidents, kings, Nobel Peace Prize winners and truly impressive people.
“Few are as truly good as Jimmy Carter, who at 98 is now entering hospice.
‘He leaves this planet much better than he found it. A great, great, great man.
Carter’s foundation, The Carter Center, founded in 1982 to pursue his vision of global diplomacy, tweeted: “We truly appreciate all the kind words we have received from President Carter’s admirers.”
Tributes piled up for the former president from both sides of the political spectrum
In recent years, Carter has received various hospital treatments, including when he revealed in August 2015 that he had brain cancer and was undergoing radiation treatment, an illness from which he recovered, seemingly against the odds.
During his presidency, Carter was committed to human rights and social justice, enjoying a strong first two years.
But his administration ran into numerous obstacles and was relegated to a single term when he was defeated in 1980 by Republican challenger Ronald Reagan.
Carter said basic Christian principles like justice and love served as the foundation of his presidency, and he taught Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist, his church in Plains, well into his 90s.
He maintained a reputation as a good human being willing to live a life of service to others. At 93, he took a rare flight on a commercial jet and spent several minutes greeting everyone and shaking hands with the passengers, stopping to talk to each one.
And at 95, he was seen with power tools helping build houses for the charity Habitat for Humanity, despite having suffered a recent fall and sporting several lacerations and bruises on his arms and face.
Former President Jimmy Carter works on a house as part of Habitat for Humanity’s Carter Work Project in Northeast Washington, on October 4, 2010.
Rosalynn Carter and Jimmy Carter in 1976
Rosalynn Carter and Jimmy Carter watch as the state results of the 1970 gubernatorial election come in
Jimmy Carter, who was revealed Saturday to be entering hospice care, is seen during his 1977-81 presidency, protected by the Secret Service.
Jimmy Carter waves to the crowd on the floor of the 1980 Democratic Convention
Jimmy Carter, 95, is seen helping build houses despite having sustained significant injuries.
Amid the spate of tributes to Carter on social media, dozens of supporters made a pilgrimage to the Carter Center headquarters in Atlanta on Sunday as prayers and remembrances of the former president’s legacy were offered at his small Baptist church in Plains, Georgia.
Among those who paid tribute was his niece, who highlighted the 39th president’s years of service in an emotional speech at Maranatha Baptist Church, where Carter taught Sunday school for decades.
“I just want to read one of Uncle Jimmy’s quotes,” Kim Fuller said during Sunday school morning service, adding, “Oh, this is going to be really hard.”
She referenced this quote from Carter: ‘I have one life and one chance to make it count for something. I am free to choose that something. My faith demands that I do everything I can, where I can, whenever I can, while I can.
“Maybe if we think about it, maybe it’s time to pass the baton,” Fuller said before leading those gathered in prayer.
Who picks it up, I have no idea. I don’t know. Because this cane is going to be really big.