BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) - Former President Jimmy Carter died at the age of 100 on Sunday, Dec. 29 in Georgia. He was the 39th president who served from 1977 to 1981.
Leaders from Louisiana have reacted to the passing of the former president.
Gov. Jeff Landry said on X, formerly known as Twitter, "Sharon and my deepest condolences go to President Jimmy Carter’s family. He was a true public servant. May he rest in peace."
Speaker Mike Johnson said, "Today, the thoughts of Americans and the prayers of Congress are lifted up on behalf of the Carter family. President Carter’s story was one of humble beginnings, and his life is a testament to the boundless opportunities available in this great nation. Because of his work in brokering the Camp David Accords and his advocacy with Habitat for Humanity, the world is a more peaceful place, and more Americans have a place to call home. No one can deny that President Carter led an extraordinary life of service to his country. May he rest in peace."
Sen. John Kennedy also gave his thoughts on the passing of the former president. He said, "Becky and I extend our deepest condolences to the entire Carter family. We will continue to remember President Carter for his service, and we join all Americans in keeping his loved ones in our prayers tonight."
Sen. Bill Cassidy mentioned Habitat for Humanity in his tribute to Carter. He said, "In a Jazz funeral, the procession plays a dirge on the way to the cemetery and after the burial then plays, 'When the Saints Go Marching In.' The believer is entering eternal joy and this is a cause to celebrate. Everyone who lives in a home built or rebuilt by the organization that Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter helped lead, Habitat for Humanity, is “in that number.” This is especially true for those in New Orleans whose homes were restored after Hurricane Katrina. Until we meet again, Godspeed President Carter."
Congressman Steve Scalise also reacted to Carter's passing by highlighting his service to the country. Scalise said, "Sad to learn about the passing of President Jimmy Carter. I join all Americans in saluting President Carter’s lifetime of service—first as a naval officer, then as a senator in the Georgia legislature, then as Governor of Georgia, and, finally, as President of the United States. Jimmy Carter set the standard for post-presidential service through his work with Habitat for Humanity. Jennifer and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Carter family."
Congressman Troy Carter praised the former president in this post on X. "President Jimmy Carter led our nation with strength and grace while always putting the American people first. His political legacy, humanitarian efforts, and countless other contributions will never be forgotten. I’m grateful that he was able to enjoy a long, fulfilling life in the democracy he helped shape. My prayers are with the Carter family. May he rest in peace," Carter said.
Representative Clay Higgins talked about what Carter did after his time in the Oval Office. He said, "I recall as a young teenager thinking well, it’s good that the President is a farmer from the south. It was a more innocent time. In the decades after his Presidency, the man constantly worked with his own hands building homes for the poor. That’s how my family will remember Jimmy Carter. As a kind man, loving and compassionate of heart. May he rest in peace."
A state funeral will be held for Carter in Washington on Jan. 9, 2025.
