Political and civic leaders across Colorado reacted with sorrow and gratitude on Sunday following the news that former President Jimmy Carter passed away at the age of 100.

After serving as the nation’s 39th president from 1977 to 1981, Carter remained actively committed to human rights and other causes, founding the Carter Presidential Center at Emory University in Atlanta, and working extensively with Habitat for Humanity well into his 90s.

Gov. Jared Polis:

“Today I join my fellow Americans to mourn the passing of Former President Jimmy Carter at age 100. A Naval Officer and peanut farmer turned Governor and President, Jimmy Carter advanced the American ideals we cherish most; human rights, international cooperation, compassion, and treating every American equally. I express my deep condolences to the Carter family during this difficult time and share my gratitude for Former President Carter’s leadership, service, and deep dedication to our strong and resilient nation during his time in office and beyond.”

Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100

Sen. Michael Bennet:

“President Jimmy Carter campaigned on telling the truth to the American people, and he kept his promise. He was a devoted family man, principled statesman, and champion for rural communities. His post-presidency set a global standard for dignity and selflessness. Susan and I join Colorado in mourning his loss and recommitting ourselves to the common good he espoused.”  

Significant milestones in life and career of Jimmy Carter

Shad Murib, Colorado Democratic Party Chair:

“We are fortunate to have had as many years with President Carter as we did. As President, he helped us move on from an era of American history punctuated by the Watergate scandal with his positivity, grace, and calm. In the years following his presidency, he set a high bar for the service we should expect of our former presidents alongside his beloved wife and incredible public servant, First Lady Rosalynn Carter. From his community-changing work building homes with The Carter Work Project and Habitat for Humanity, to his dedication to peace and courage in calling out injustice at home and across the world, President Carter exemplified the best of us.”

Sen. John Hickenlooper:

“Jimmy Carter was first and foremost a good man, in the purest sense of the words. A champion of human rights. A trailblazer for affordable housing. A veteran. And a President who never forgot his roots as a peanut farmer.”

The words of former US President Jimmy Carter