Tributes pour in following death of former US President Jimmy Carter

Former US President Jimmy Carter, who served only one term as the 39th president and winner of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, is dead.

According to the statement from Jimmy Carter Foundation, the former Head of State died peacefully on Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family. 

He was 100, the longest-lived president in the US history.

President-elect Donald Trump sent warmest condolences following the death of the centenarian. He said while he strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically, he also realized that the former President “truly loved and respected our Country, and all it stands for.”

“He worked hard to make America a better place, and for that I give him my highest respect. He was a truly good man and, of course, will be greatly missed. He was also very consequential, far more than most Presidents, after he left the Oval Office. Warmest condolences from Melania and I to his wonderful family!” Trump said through Truth Social.

The outgoing US President Joe Biden said over six(6) decades, him together his wife Jill had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. 

Biden added that one thing extraordinary about Jimmy Carter was that “millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well.”

Kenya's President William Ruto paid tribute to Carter, saying that he was an extraordinary leader whose dedication to public service was epic.  

Dr Ruto in a statement on X platform said Carter was a powerful champion for global peace and human rights.

“We are indebted to his pioneering voice on the actions for a healthy planet that has protected our nature and slowed climate change. Our thoughts and prayers are with President Carter’s family and the people of the United States of America,” Dr Ruto said.

President Carter is survived by his children--Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy as well as 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Rosalynn and one(1) grandchild.

“My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” said Chip Carter, the former president’s son.

“My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.”

There will be public observances in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., followed by a private interment in Plains, Georgia.

The final arrangements for President Carter’s state funeral, including all public events and motorcade routes, are still pending.

The schedule will be released by the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region at jtfncr.mdw.army.mil/statefunerals/.

Members of the public have been encouraged to visit the official tribute website to the life of President Carter at www.jimmycartertribute.org where they will gain access to the official online condolence book as well as print and visual biographical materials commemorating his life.

The Carter family has also asked that those with bouquet of flowers can lay them and make donations to The Carter Center, 453 John Lewis Freedom Parkway N.E., Atlanta, GA 30307.

Carter worked as a submarine officer before he concentrated on peanut farming following the death of his father. He would turn around fortunes despite failed crops in his first season of farming. 

A windfall from peanuts enabled him to try his luck in politics.

He is the last Democrat to take Texas state's presidential election when he won 26 electoral votes in 1976.

However, four(4) years later, he was floored by Ronald Reagan.