US President orders official state funeral for former Chief Executive, who died this Sunday (Dec 29), aged 100
The current president of the United States, Joe Biden (Democratic Party), spoke this Sunday (Dec 9, 2024) about Jimmy Carter, aged 100. Since February 2023, the Democrat has been under palliative care at home.
“With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, promote peace, advance civil and human rights, promote free and fair elections, shelter the homeless, and always advocate for those most in need. He saved, uplifted and changed the lives of people around the world.”Biden.
The US president also ordered the holding of a official state funeral for the former chief executive, which will take place in Washington, DC Biden, however, did not specify the date of the ceremony.
The Democrat was the oldest living president in US history after the death of George HW Bush, aged 94, in 2018. Carter governed the country from 1977 to 1981.
Jimmy Carter faced health problems. On February 18, 2023, he began hospice care at home for melanoma (skin cancer) that had spread to his liver and brain.
Previously, Carter beat brain cancer in 2015, but had health problems in 2019 and underwent surgery to remove pressure on his brain.
Read Biden’s full statement:
“Statement from President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter
“Today, the United States and the world have lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian.
“For more than 6 decades, we have had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But what is extraordinary about Jimmy Carter is that millions of people in the United States and around the world, who never met him personally, also considered him a dear friend.
“With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, promote peace, advance civil and human rights, promote free and fair elections, shelter the homeless, and always advocate for those most in need. He has saved, uplifted, and changed the lives of people all over the world.
“He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism. We will always cherish the images of 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 we find comfort in knowing that they are reunited once again and will forever remain in our hearts.
“To the Carter family, we send our gratitude for sharing them with America and the world. To your team—from your earliest days to your last—we have no doubt that you will continue to do the good works that perpetuate their legacy.
“And to all the young people of this nation and anyone searching for the meaning of a life of purpose and meaning — the good life — study Jimmy Carter, a man of principle, faith and humility. He showed that we are a great nation because we are a good people—decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong.
“To honor this great American, I will order 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 in the United States Navy, graduate of the Academy United States Naval Officer and favorite son of Plains, Georgia, who dedicated his life to the service of God and country.”
