Jimmy Carter’s family releases new statement thanking world for love and support

ATLANTA – The Carter family released a statement Thursday morning, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support following the death of former President Jimmy Carter at the age of 100.

Statement from President Carter’s Family

“The outpouring of love and support we have received from around the world confirms what we have known all along — Jimmy Carter’s family extends far beyond blood relatives. We are sincerely grateful for everyone’s words of comfort and acts of kindness following the passing of such a champion of human rights, justice, and peace.”

The 39th president of the United States passed away on Dec. 29 at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his loving family.

A series of ceremonies honoring his life will begin in Americus on Jan. 4 and conclude in Plains on Jan. 9.

The Carter family has invited the public to participate in several public viewings and funeral processions in Georgia and Washington, D.C.

• Saturday, Jan. 6: A service will be held at The Carter Center in Atlanta, after which President Carter will lie in repose until Tuesday morning.
• Wednesday, Jan. 8: His body will be transported to Washington, D.C., where he will lie in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda through Thursday night.
• Thursday, Jan. 9: A state funeral will be held at the Washington National Cathedral.
• Following the state funeral: Carter’s body will return to Plains for a private interment beside his wife, Rosalynn Carter.

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Since his passing, The Carter Center has seen a steady stream of visitors leaving flowers and mementos in his honor.

Karol and Morgan Larsson, visitors from Sweden, expressed their admiration for the late president. “Carter is a hero over there,” Morgan said. “Everyone remembers the hostage crisis and his Nobel Prize. It’s all over the papers in Sweden that he passed.”

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In addition to events in Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and Plains, Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry will dedicate its Saturday performance to President Carter, a lifelong fan of country music who made appearances at the Opry before his presidency.