Georgians React to Jimmy Carter’s Death

Tributes poured in from notable Georgia residents and elected officials Sunday after Former President Jimmy Carter died at age 100. Below are some of the memories and tributes shared by your fellow Georgians.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp

“Marty, the girls, and I join all Georgians and the entire nation in mourning the loss of former President Jimmy Carter.

“As the only American president thus far to come from Georgia, he showed the world the impact our state and its people have on the country. And as a son of Plains, he always valued Georgians and the virtues of our state, choosing to return to his rural home after his time in public office.”

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger

“President Carter dedicated his life to serving our great nation and the people of Georgia.

“As a true servant-leader, he devoted his post-presidency to spreading the very best of American ideals across the globe. His commitment to peace, democracy, and human rights has left an indelible mark on the world.

“Tricia and I mourn his passing and extend our deepest condolences to the Carter family.

“May President Carter be at peace, reunited with his true love Rosalynn in their eternal rest.”

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr

“President Jimmy Carter impacted the lives of many both at home and abroad, particularly through his work with Habitat for Humanity and The Carter Center. We appreciate his years of service to our state and nation and the

compassion he showed to those he met along the way. Joan and I offer our condolences to the entire Carter family.”

Senator Raphael Warnock

“President Carter was one of my heroes. His leadership was driven by love, his life’s project grounded in compassion and a commitment to human dignity. For those of us who have the privilege of representing our communities in elected office, Jimmy Carter is a shining example of what it means to make your faith come alive through the noble work of public service.”

“I’m honored to have had the opportunity to know President Carter—the first president I remember from my childhood, and someone with whom I developed a meaningful friendship. He brought his family to worship at my church. At a family dinner, I remember the President and his amazing wife, Rosalyn, holding my daughter, then just two months old, as if she were their own granddaughter. They were among my favorite people.”

“President Carter taught us through his example that it’s not the office you hold but the orientation you have that gives you the ability to serve effectively. A moral powerhouse, he moved us closer toward our highest ideals while in the governor’s mansion and the White House, but perhaps even more so after leaving the presidency. A former president, he got his hands dirty, literally building people’s homes while helping them build their lives. President Carter was a Matthew 25 Christian. He believed, as I do, that the true test of your faith is the depth of your commitment to the most marginalized members of the human family. I believe he passed that test and has now graduated into immortality. Democracies around the world are stronger and children across the globe are alive today because of President Carter’s work—what a legacy to leave.”

“Well done, good and faithful servant, well done.”

Senator Jon Ossoff

“I extend my deepest condolences to Jack, Chip, Jeff, Amy, and the entire Carter family on their loss.

“A former Georgia State Senator, Governor of Georgia, and President of the United States, President Carter’s lifetime of work and dedication to public service changed the lives of many across our state, our country, and around the world.

“Among his lifetime of service and countless accomplishments, President Carter will be remembered for his commitment to democracy and human rights, his enduring faith, his philanthropic leadership, and his deep love of family.

“From Plains to across the State of Georgia, the United States, and around the world, millions will forever admire and appreciate all that President Carter did for the United States and for the global community.

“The State of Georgia and the United States are better places because of President Jimmy Carter.”

Georgia District 1 Congressman Buddy Carter

“President Carter was an amazing Georgian and a firm believer in Christ. Today, he goes to be with his beloved wife, Rosalynn, in Heaven. Please join me in praying for the whole Carter family, the State of Georgia, and the country following this tremendous loss.”

Georgia District 4 Congressman Hank Johnson

“President Carter restored honest competence, integrity, and humility to the Office of the Presidency. He led the nation with vision and courage, although his Southern heritage was used to belittle him in the eyes of many. I know of no man in his post presidency who has had a greater impact on humanity than President Carter. His selfless service to mankind is unparalleled, as was his humbleness and fortitude. Rest In Peace, humble servant.”

Georgia District 5 Congresswoman Nikema Williams

“Throughout his extraordinary life, President Jimmy Carter was a force for peace, human rights, and a voice for marginalized communities. The once peanut farmer from Plains, Georgia became a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, reminding us that everyday people have the power to change the world.

“My husband, Leslie, and I named our only son, Carter, after this great President. I will always remember the time my two-year-old Carter met the former President.

“After finding a stuffed pig in President Carter’s box of toys, my Carter insisted the former leader of the free world play with him, oinking just like a pig. President Carter obliged with the same kindness he showed throughout his life. I strive everyday to make sure my Carter embodies his namesake’s humility and commitment to service.

“My family sends our deepest condolences to the entire Carter family during this incredibly difficult time.”

Georgia District 6 Congressman Rich McCormick

“Jimmy Carter was a man of faith who served his country as a Naval Officer, the Governor of Georgia, and President of the United States. May he rest in peace with his Lord and Savior.”

Georgia District 9 Congressman Andrew Clyde

“Please join me in praying for the family and friends of President Jimmy Carter, a man of faith with a servant’s heart who dedicated decades of his life to our great country. May he Rest in Peace.”

Georgia District 10 Congressman Mike Collins

“Today, I join Americans across the country in mourning the loss of our 39th President, Jimmy Carter. Born in a small town in Georgia, President Carter’s dedication to public service, leadership, humanitarian work, and Christian spirit touched the lives of countless individuals. Leigh Ann and I are praying for Jack, Chip, Jeff, Amy, and the entire Carter family. Thank you for your service, Mr. President.”

Georgia District 12 Congressman Rick Allen

“It is with a heavy heart that Robin and I join the nation in mourning the loss of former President Jimmy Carter. President Carter was a devoted father, loving husband, and decorated patriot.  

“Growing up on a peanut farm in Central Georgia, President Carter learned the value of an honest day’s work at an early age. His sense of duty led him to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, where he began a lifetime of public service. He was also a champion of philanthropic efforts in the decades following his presidency. President Carter was living proof that public service does not end with elected office.  

“On behalf of Georgians everywhere, Robin and I offer our deepest sympathies and prayers to the Carter family.”

Georgia District 13 Congressman David Scott

“Today we mourn the passing of President Jimmy Carter and our former Governor of Georgia. President Jimmy Carter made an extraordinary and profound impact on our nation and the world. I served in the Georgia Legislature when Jimmy Carter was Governor and he had a tremendous impact on my life and my political career. Rest in Peace to my friend and mentor, President and Governor Jimmy Carter. God Bless You.”

Georgia District 14 Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene

“President Jimmy Carter passed away today at 100. He lived a long blessed life. May he rest in peace.”

Atlanta City Council Statement

“An embodiment of character and earnestness, President Carter’s life was marked by remarkable achievement, humanitarianism, and a passion for human rights. Inevitably, he will be remembered for his ascent from peanut farmer to president, but he also leaves behind a record of true accomplishment in domestic and international affairs. After leaving office, he continued advocating for democratic principles and dedicated himself to charitable causes, including founding the Carter Center in 1982, and building homes for Habitat for Humanity. He created incalculable memories for those in Atlanta, the state of Georgia, and across the world. We extend our deepest condolences to the Carter family and everyone mourning this significant loss.”

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens

“Today, Atlanta mourns Georgia’s only President. My heart goes out to the entire Carter family here in Atlanta, across Georgia and our nation. I am so proud that President Carter’s legacy will continue to endure here in Atlanta through the Carter Center. As we mourn this loss, let us also tell our children the story of the boy from Plains who would be President.”

Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms

“Simply put, President Jimmy Carter was a good man. He was the epitome of a servant leader, changing the world and setting the highest example of what it meant to honor God, family, and country. May his legacy of unselfish leadership and work to serve “the least of these” inspire us all to make the world a better place.”