Former US President Jimmy Carter said on Saturday that he will enter palliative care at home with his wife Rosalynn after declining further medical treatment. Tributes and good wishes have poured in for Carter.
From 1977 to 1981, Carter served as the 39th President of the United States. He won accolades from all political parties and was praised for his unshakable dedication to public service even after he left office.
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas referred to him as a “American treasure and icon” who shown a “consciousness of caring” and tweeted a photo of a 95-year-old bloodied and wounded Carter working with the non-profit organization Habitat for Humanity to construct houses.
Carter was simply referred to as the “greatest ex-president by far,” according to former Democratic senator Al Franken, while political pundit and comedian Jon Stewart called him “one of the nicest and most intelligent persons I’ve ever had the privilege of meeting.” The finest among us, he was.
As a fellow Democrat, Carter, 98, was also honored on Sunday by US President Joe Biden, who said on Twitter: “We respect you for the bravery and humility you have shown in tough times.”
“May God offer you serenity as you go on your road with dignity and grace.”
Carter has chosen to spend his “remaining time” at home after a number of hospital visits, his charitable organization The Carter Center said on Saturday.
Living in Plains, Georgia, with his wife Rosalynn is Carter, the oldest surviving former president and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Many social media tributes to him praised his moral character and his attempts to assist others, regardless of his political beliefs.
Carter’s entry into hospice care was announced by David Axelrod, a senior counselor to Barack Obama, who said it was “really sad news” about a magnificent guy and a great American who had done so much for the world. President Carter and his family come to mind.
Jimmy Carter was not a great president, but he is a nice guy, a patriotic American, and an honest Christian, said pro-Trump operative and right-leaning lobbyist Roger Stone in a tribute to Carter’s life and legacy. He be blessed by God.
Mia Farrow, an actress and activist, wrote a lengthy thread on Twitter honoring his life’s work, highlighting his involvement with the housing organization Habitat for Humanity and his initiatives to provide access to healthcare in impoverished countries.
She added prayers, thanks, and love for this wonderful individual who has contributed so much to the world.
According to Maria Shriver, the niece of John F. Kennedy and former first lady of California, he was an example to everyone.
“This guy advances mankind every single day,” someone said. He inspires me so much, she replied. Devoted his whole life to serving the public. I’m sending my love, respect, and support to him and his family.
I’ve had the wonderful pleasure of meeting many presidents, monarchs, Nobel Peace Prize winners, and outstanding individuals said New York Times journalist Nicholas Kristof in a tweet.
Few people are as sincerely good as Jimmy Carter, who is receiving hospice care at 98.
He departs our earth in such a better condition than when he arrived. A terrific guy, an amazing man.
We greatly appreciate all the good sentiments we’ve received from President Carter’s followers, said The Carter Center, Carter’s organization that was established in 1982 to carry out his goal of global diplomacy.
Carter has had a number of medical procedures in recent years, notably when he disclosed in August 2015 that he had brain cancer and was having radiation therapy – a condition he reportedly overcame against all odds.
Carter focused on social justice and human rights throughout his administration, having a successful first two years.
Nevertheless, his government ran into various problems, and when Ronald Reagan, a Republican, defeated him in 1980, he was only able to serve one term as president.
Carter said that fundamental Christian principles like justice and love served as the foundation of his administration. He also continued to teach Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist, his church in Plains, far into his nineties.
He continued to be known as a kind person who was ready to devote his life to helping others. At the age of 93, he boarded a rare commercial airplane and spent many minutes shaking hands and saying hello to each passenger before stopping to have a conversation.
Yet despite having just fallen and having multiple lacerations and bruises on his arms and face, he was observed using power tools to assist Habitat for Humanity in building homes at the age of 95.
Many well-wishers traveled to The Carter Center offices in Atlanta on Sunday amid the deluge of tributes to Carter on social media. At the same time, prayers and remembrances of the former president’s legacy were given up at his little Baptist church in Plains, Georgia.
His niece, who gave an impassioned eulogy at Maranatha Baptist Church, where Carter taught Sunday school for many years, paid tribute to the 39th president.
At the Sunday school morning session, Kim Fuller exclaimed, “Oh, this is going to be extremely hard. I want to read one of Uncle Jimmy’s comments.”
Carter said, “I have one life and one opportunity to make it matter for anything,” which she cited. I have the option to choose that stuff. I must act in accordance with the dictates of my religion by doing whatever I can, whenever I can, and wherever I can.
Before leading the group in prayer, Fuller observed, “Maybe if we think about it, maybe it’s time to transfer the torch.”
I have no idea who picks it up. I’m not sure. Since this baton will be a very large one,
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