Texas, Houston-area leaders honor Jimmy Carter’s impact and legacy following his passing

HOUSTON — Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States and a Nobel Peace Prize winner, died Sunday at age 100. Reactions are pouring in from leaders across the country, including those from Texas and the Houston area.

Carter passed away Sunday afternoon in Plains, Georgia, The Carter Center announced. The organization shared in Feb. 2023 that the former president had entered home hospice care.

RELATED: Former President Jimmy Carter — his legacy and his ties to Houston

Texas was a big part of Carter’s political success. He was the last Democrat to carry Texas in 1976. He campaigned in Texas often. 

His visits to Houston continued after the presidency. A fierce advocate of affordable housing, Carter and his wife, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, spent time building new homes here with Habitat for Humanity.

The former president — a passionate defender of human rights — also established the Carter-Menil Human Rights Foundation, standing alongside Desmond Tutu at the Rothko Chapel in Houston in 1986 and joining Nelson Mandela on his visit to Houston in 1991.

 “Cecilia and I mourn the loss of former President Jimmy Carter alongside millions of Americans across the country. Our nation remains the greatest beacon of freedom and opportunity in the world because of our fearless chief executives who are our guiding force through the best and worst of times. For that, we owe President Carter our enduring gratitude for his service as the 39th President of the United States. Having led a life marked by selfless service to the American people, President Carter leaves behind a great legacy as a husband, father, naval officer, governor, and Nobel prize winner, and he will be greatly missed by many. Cecilia and I send our prayers and deepest condolences to the entire Carter family.”

“Heidi and I are saddened by the passing of President Jimmy Carter. At age 100, President Carter was the oldest former president in history, and he left a legacy of honorable military and public service.  His decades-long dedication to building homes for those in need was truly remarkable. Our hearts and prayers are with the Carter family during this difficult time. We pray for peace and comfort for his loved ones as they mourn his loss, and take solace in knowing that he is now reunited with his beloved wife, Rosalynn.”

“As a naval officer, Georgia state senator, governor, and President of the United States, Jimmy Carter served our nation with honor. His love for his home state of Georgia and for those he served through his beloved Maranatha Baptist Church and charities like Habitat for Humanity was evident throughout his life, and his legacy will remain a cherished part of our great American story. My prayers are with the entire Carter family during this time.”

“President Carter did more than help build homes through Habitat for Humanity. He gave people hope and made them feel a greater sense of humanity through volunteering or becoming homeowners. Houston is proud to have a special connection to President Carter; we will honor his memory and continue his mission of doing good for others.”

“The remarkable, long life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter is one to mourn and also to celebrate. A man of unwavering dedication to service, his impact on our nation and the world will endure for generations. Rest in peace, Mr. President.

“Houston Habitat feels a special connection to President Carter and we are saddened to learn of his passing. Houston was — and remains — proud and honored to have been the site of a 100-home build in 1998. A truly awe-inspiring and purposeful build by President and Rosalynn Carter and Houston volunteers nearly 26 years ago. People still talk about that build and the way President Carter showed up to make a true mark and drive the successful completion of those homes. He left an impression on our organization and our community that remains.”

“Charles Duncan, who served as Pres. Carter’s Sec’y of Energy, went to ask him to be the 1993 Rice commencement speaker. Carter said he didn’t like giving commencement speeches, & besides he had enough honorary degrees. Charles informed him that Rice didn’t give honorary degrees. That, according to the story, piqued Pres. Carter’s interest & turned conversation around. “You don’t give honorary degrees?” he reportedly asked. He was so taken w/ idea that Rice didn’t give degrees to anyone who didn’t earn them that he changed his mind and agreed to speak. When the last time you heard about someone who agreed to give a commencement speech at a university BECAUSE it wouldn’t award him an honorary degree? (This was related directly by Charles Duncan.) An example of humility, decency, compassion and contribution.”