President Biden praises Jimmy Carter as ‘extraordinary leader’ after former president’s death at 100

President Joe Biden on Sunday called Jimmy Carter “an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian” as he joined the chorus of condolences following the 39th president’s death.

“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,” Biden wrote. “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,” the president said.

Carter, 100, passed away Sunday in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, where he was in hospice care for nearly two years.

Biden said he will order a state funeral for Carter to be held for the former president, Georgia governor and US Navy veteran in Washington, D.C.

“To the entire Carter family, we send our gratitude for sharing them with America and the world,” the president wrote. “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.”

Biden said during a brief press conference Sunday evening that mourners across the globe felt like they lost a “friend as well even though they never met him.”

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“And that’s because Jimmy Carter lived a life measured not by words but by his deeds,” said Biden, who has known Carter for 50 years.  

He also noted how cancer, which Carter was diagnosed with in 2015, was a common bond the two families unfortunately shared.

He recalled how the former president comforted him and his wife Jill when their son died in 2015 of cancer.

Biden was the first sitting US senator to endorse Carter for president when he ran for president against Gerald Ford in 1976.

“The one thing I admired most about him, he thought and believed – and he really did believe this – and I do as well, everybody deserved an even shot. No guarantees, just a shot. Everybody deserves a shot.”