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- Utah leaders honored Jimmy Carter's faith and service following his death at 100.
- Sen.-elect John Curtis and others praised Carter's dedication to peace and humanitarian efforts.
- Public observances for Carter are planned in Atlanta and Washington, with private internment in Plains.
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah leaders remembered former President Jimmy Carter for his faith and service after his death was announced at age 100 on Sunday.
"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 power of consensus," Utah Sen.-elect John Curtis posted.
"President Carter's legacy of diplomacy inspires us to continue working toward a more just and stable world," he said.
The Carter Center, the charitable foundation he and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, started, shared the news of his death at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by family.
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offered sympathy to the former president's family and praised his dedication to faith in a statement Sunday evening.
"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," the First Presidency said.
Utah's outgoing U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney, a Republican, also called Carter "a man of character and deep faith" and said he will be remembered "as more than a president. He leaves behind a legacy of service to others, love of family, and devotion to country and democracy. He is home again, reunited with his beloved wife, Rosalynn."
A man of character and deep faith, Jimmy Carter will be remembered as more than a president. He leaves behind a legacy of service to others, love of family, and devotion to country and democracy. He is home again, reunited with his beloved wife, Rosalynn.
— Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) December 30, 2024
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox in a post on X also said 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," the governor said, sharing a photo he said was from Carter's visit to the Salt Lake Tabernacle during National Family Week in November 1978. The photo showed Carter leaning forward in a prayerful mode with his hands held to his head.
Cox issued an order later Sunday for American flags to be flown at half-staff at all state facilities. Flags should remain at half-staff until sunset on Jan. 28, 2025, the order said.
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
U.S. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, asked others to join him in praying for Carter's family.
"Even more historic than his time in the White House was Carter's post-presidency, which he dedicated to serving his fellow man. From providing housing for thousands of families to Sunday school for the children of his community, he will remain distinguished among America's leaders for his great humanitarian accomplishments and deep commitment to his Christian faith," he posted.
Please join me in praying for the family of President Jimmy Carter, who passed away this afternoon.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) December 29, 2024
Even more historic than his time in the White House was Carter's post-presidency, which he dedicated to serving his fellow man. From providing housing for thousands of families…
U.S. Rep. Blake Moore posted: "I join the chorus of Americans in honoring President Jimmy Carter with news of his passing," adding that during a field hearing he visited Carter's presidential library and learned more about his service to the country and causes like "Habitat for Humanity."
I join the chorus of Americans in honoring President Jimmy Carter with news of his passing. As part of a @WaysandMeansGOP field hearing, we visited his presidential library where I learned more about his service to our nation and to causes like Habitat for Humanity. My thoughts…
— Congressman Blake Moore (@RepBlakeMoore) December 30, 2024
The Utah House Democratic Caucus called Carter's life "a testament to integrity, humility, and unwavering service to humanity."
"From his time in the Oval Office to his tireless efforts with the Carter Center, he dedicated himself to fostering peace, promoting human rights, and alleviating suffering across the globe. President Carter's legacy is one of compassion and action," the caucus said, in part.
Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes issued a statement on behalf of his office. He offered condolences to the former president's family and recognized "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 global charities, to quiet work in his church and local community, he leaves a legacy as a champion of human rights and humanitarian service," Reyes said on X.
In recent years, Carter had experienced several health issues, including melanoma that spread to his liver and brain. Carter decided to receive hospice care in February 2023 instead of undergoing additional medical intervention. His wife, Rosalynn Carter, died on Nov. 19, 2023, at age 96. He looked frail when he attended her memorial service and funeral in a wheelchair.
Public observances for the former president will take place in Atlanta and Washington, and a private interment will take place in Plains. Final arrangements for his state funeral and public events have yet to be announced.
This story may be updated.
