(The Hill) – President Biden and first lady Jill Biden remembered former President Carter, who died on Sunday, as a "dear friend" who "saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe."
"Over six decades, we had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what's extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well," President Biden said in a statement on Sunday afternoon.
"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 statement continued.
Biden also addressed the nation Sunday evening from a hotel in St. Croix, where he is on a holiday vacation with his family. He repeatedly praised Carter's humanitarian work, kindness and "decency."
"Today America – and the world, in my view – lost a remarkable leader," he said.
While they will "miss them both dearly," President Biden said he and Jill Biden took "solace knowing they are reunited once again and will remain forever in our hearts."????
Carter died peacefully on Sunday in Plains, Georgia, according to the Carter Center. He had turned 100 in October, making him the longest-lived president in the nation's history.
The Carter Center announced on Feb. 18, 2023, that the former president had begun receiving hospice care after a series of short hospital stays, choosing to "spend his remaining time at home with his family" instead of receiving additional medical intervention.
Carter's longevity was remarkable. He held the record as the oldest living former U.S. president in history, and had survived a number of health scares in recent years.
He lived to see his own vice president, Walter Mondale, die in 2021, and former President George H.W. Bush, who was the vice presidential candidate on Reagan's ticket, in 2018.
Rosalynn Carter died on Nov. 19, 2023, at age 96, just days after she entered hospice care. She had been diagnosed with dementia in March.
In this statement, President Biden sent the entire Carter family "our gratitude for sharing them with America and the world." He also encouraged young people to study Carter, "a man of principle, faith, and humility."
"He showed that we are great nation because we are a good people – decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
