Utah leaders react to the death of former President Jimmy Carter

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah leaders responded to the death of former President Jimmy Carter with praise for the 100-year-old’s long-standing commitment to a service-oriented life. 

According to a statement from The Carter Center, President Carter died on Sunday surrounded by family. He had entered hospice care more than a year ago, according to the Associated Press.

‘A life well lived’

In a Facebook tribute, Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson offered thanks for Carter’s “service to our country.” She added her gratitude “for his service to humanity.”

Former President Carter was elected to the U.S. presidency in 1977. He also served the people of Georgia as a state senator, and later, as the state’s governor.

‘Deeply devoted to his country’

Utah Governor Spencer Cox praised President Carter’s devotion to “humanitarian efforts around the globe,” in a post on X. 

Jimmy Carter lived a life of service, integrity and faith. As a man deeply devoted to his country and to humanitarian efforts around the globe, he leaves a legacy that transcends politics. Our prayers are with his family and all who mourn his passing. pic.twitter.com/1rPfnjYXJe

— Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox (@GovCox) December 29, 2024

 

Carter volunteered for more than 30 years at housing nonprofit Habitat for Humanity. The organization helps provide housing for low- and moderate-income households across the United States and in “more than 70 countries around the world,” according to its website.

On Sunday night, Gov. Cox ordered state flags to fly at half-staff for 30 days to recognize Carter’s death. Cox welcomed private citizens and businesses to participate in the recognition.

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released a statement following the passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter:

‘Leading by example’

Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints remembered the former president as a “dedicated public servant,” and offered comfort to the Carter family.

We express our deepest sympathy to the family of President Jimmy Carter and join with others in honoring his legacy of service to his country. President Carter embraced the Savior’s admonition to “love thy neighbor,” leading by example in many humanitarian causes and promoting peace worldwide. He will be remembered as a dedicated public servant and devoted man of faith. We pray that the Carter family may feel comfort and peace as they reflect on President Carter’s remarkable life.

‘Testament to integrity, humility’

In a statement, the Utah House Democratic Caucus described an event they held in 2024. It honored President Carter and First Lady Rosalyn Carter’s “incredible legacy.”

Earlier this year, to honor President Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter’s incredible legacy, Utah State leaders joined Salt Lake Valley Habitat for Humanity for a special tribute to the Carter’s work with Habitat for Humanity. Utah Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla … alongside Habitat CEO Ed Blake, unveiled “Opening Doors.” The installation began as two plain white doors, symbolizing the Carters’ efforts to open doors to brighter futures for thousands of low-income families.

‘A champion of human rights’

Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes also noted the former president’s humanitarian work “with global charities, his church, and local community” in a post on X.

@SeanReyesUT and our entire AG office convey sincere condolences to the family of President Jimmy Carter, recognizing the service he rendered to our nation before, during and after he served as America’s 39th President.

From his time in the U.S. Armed Forces, his work with… https://t.co/wGjJkRS0jM

— Utah Attorney General (@UtahAG) December 29, 2024

‘Unwavering dedication to peace’

After he lost the presidency to Ronald Reagan in 1979, former President Carter created The Carter Center. According to the Associated Press, Carter didn’t want the center to be a library or museum. Rather, he wanted to build “a place where we could work.” The AP defined The Carter Center’s work as that of ” international peacemakers and champions of democracy, public health and human rights.”

It was that work of Carter’s that Rep. John Curtis noted in his tribute to the former president on X. 

President Jimmy Carter was a man of faith and had an unwavering dedication to peace. A copy of the Jerusalem Post from the day the Camp David Accords was signed hangs in my office. It serves as a reminder of the possibility of peace, the importance of building alliances, and the… https://t.co/cKXUMgqdjN

— Rep. John Curtis (@RepJohnCurtis) December 29, 2024

 

‘Making the American Dream available to all’

Utah Democratic Party Chair Diane Lewis used the former president’s own words to honor former President Jimmy Carter.

“President Jimmy Carter said, ‘The test of a government is not how popular it is with the powerful and privileged few, but how honestly and fairly it deals with the many who must depend upon it.’ As Democrats, we share President Carter’s commitment to making the American Dream available to all, regardless of the circumstances of birth. May we learn from President Carter’s example as we work towards a government that works for all Americans.”

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