Updated, with National Day of Mourning details: President Joe Biden has ordered all American flags on public buildings and federal lands to be flown at half-staff for the next 30 days in honor of Jimmy Carter, who died today at the age of 100.
Biden also designated January 9 as a national day of mourning across the United States.
In his remarks this evening, Biden praised his “great friend” and predecessor in the White House, as a man of “simple morals” who “lived a life not measured by words, but by his actions.”
In remarks in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, where Biden is on vacation, the president also noted the support Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, gave him after his son Beau died of cancer.
“Jimmy knew the ravages of the disease all too well,” Biden said. He lost his father, brother and sisters to this terrible disease. So when Jimmy was diagnosed, we did our best to comfort him. Carter's brain cancer, which was diagnosed in 2015, is in remission.
“In today’s world, anyone can do it [look] In Jimmy Carter and see a man from a bygone era with honesty and character. Faith and humility were important. But I don't think that's a bygone era. “I see a man not just of our time, but of all times, someone who embodies basic human values that we can never let go.”
Like Carter, Biden will leave office after one term. A reporter asked the president where he was inspired by the 39th president, whose post-presidential humanitarian work helped earn him the Nobel Peace Prize.
“Never give up hope,” Biden said. “I mean that from the bottom of my heart. “A lot of negative things this month.”
“I think what Jimmy Carter holds up as an example is just simple decency, and I think that's what the rest of the world looks to in America,” Biden said.
In a previous statement, Biden said that he would order a state funeral for the former president, but these details are still being arranged with the Carter family.
Traditionally, during such ceremonies, the former president lies in state in the Capitol Rotunda, followed by a funeral in the Washington National Cathedral.
Biden said in his statement: “Today, America and the world lost an exceptional leader, statesman, and humanitarian.”
“For six 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 across America and the world who never met him consider him a dear friend, too.
Biden said last year that Carter asked him to deliver the eulogy. Biden was the first U.S. senator to endorse Carter's presidential bid in 1975, when his run for the White House was still considered a long shot.
“With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil and human rights, promote free and fair elections, shelter the homeless, and always stand up for the least among us. “He has saved, uplifted and changed lives around the world,” Biden said.
He was a man of great character, courage, hope and optimism. We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalyn together. The love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism.
Biden and First Lady Jill Biden visited Carter and Rosalynn Carter at their Plains home in 2021. “We sat down and talked about the good old days,” Biden said, according to the AP. Rosalynn Carter died last year. Carter was married for 77 years.
Biden said in his statement: “We will miss them greatly, but we take solace in knowing that they have met again and will remain in our hearts forever.”
“To the entire Carter family, we send our gratitude for sharing them with America and the world. And to their staff — from their early days to their final days — we have no doubt that you will continue to do good deeds that carry on their legacy.
“And for all the young people of this nation and for all who are searching for what it means to live 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 good people – respectful and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong.”
The Carter family was present at the last state funeral of former President George H. W. Bush, which was held in 2018.
