What they're saying: Trumps, Clintons, Obamas, Bushes, others remember President Jimmy Carter

Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian.

Over six decades, we had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what's extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well.

With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us. He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe.

He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism. We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together. The love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism.

We will miss them both dearly, but take solace knowing they are reunited once again and will remain forever in our hearts.

To the entire Carter family, we send our gratitude for sharing them with America and the world. To their staff - from the earliest days to the final ones we have no doubt that you will continue to do the good works that carry on their legacy.

And to all of the young people in this nation and for anyone in search of what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning - the good life - study Jimmy Carter, a man of principle, faith, and humility. He showed that we are great nation because we are a good people - decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong.

To honor a great American, I will be ordering an official state funeral to be held in Washington D.C. for James Earl Carter, Jr., 39th President of the United States, 76th Governor of Georgia, Lieutenant of the United States Navy, graduate of the United States Naval Academy, and favorite son of Plains, Georgia, who gave his full life in service to God and country.

Jimmy Carter blazed a trail from the peanut fields of Plains, Georgia to the Navy, the Governor's Mansion, the White House, and to a remarkable post-presidential career modeling leadership, philanthropy, and love of country every step of the way. We lost a giant.

Jimmy Carter gave me my first job out of law school, and I have deeply admired his service since leaving the Oval Office. His dedication to building homes through Habitat for Humanity has always brought back warm memories of my father, who also volunteered with the organization well into his eighties. Like much of the Greatest Generation, President Carter will be remembered by what he built and left behind for us - a model of service late into life, a tireless devotion to family and philanthropy, and a more peaceful world to call home.

Hillary and I mourn the passing of President Jimmy Carter and give thanks for his long, good life. Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve others-until the very end.

From his commitment to civil rights as a state senator and governor of Georgia; to his efforts as President to protect our natural resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, make energy conservation a national priority, return the Panama Canal to Panama, and secure peace between Egypt and Israel at Camp David; to his post-Presidential efforts at the Carter Center supporting honest elections, advancing peace, combating disease, and promoting democracy; to his and Rosalynn's devotion and hard work at Habitat for Humanity-he worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world.

Hillary and I met President Carter in 1975 and were proud, early supporters of his Presidential campaign. I will always be proud to have presented the Medal of Freedom to him and Rosalyn in 1999, and to have worked with him in the years after he left the White House. Our prayers are with Jack, Chip, Jeff, Amy, and their families.

“I join those across our nation and the world mourning the passing of President Jimmy Carter. A deeply principled and family man, he dedicated his life to public service — not only to his fellow Americans, but to humanitarian causes around the world. Through the Carter Center, his work with Habitat for Humanity, and his advocacy for democracy and human rights at home and abroad, President Carter redefined how former presidents can continue to serve and positively impact the world years after their presidency. His accomplishments as president live on, but so will his vast contributions to society he made after his term in office.”

Suzanne and I join our nation to mourn the passing of Jimmy Carter, a devoted public servant and 39th President. He served our country in the Navy, as a Georgia state senator, and as the Governor of Georgia. We are praying for the Carter family during this difficult time. His faith was always inspiring to others, may he rest in peace.

I just heard of the news about the passing of President Jimmy Carter. Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History.

The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.

Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers.

President Carter taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from this remarkable man.

Laura and I send our heartfelt condolences to Jack, Chip, Jeff, Amy, and the entire Carter family. James Earl Carter, Jr., was a man of deeply held convictions. He was loyal to his family, his community, and his country.

President Carter dignified the office. And his efforts to leave behind a better world didn't end with the presidency. His work with Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations.

We join our fellow citizens in giving thanks for Jimmy Carter and in prayer for his family.

It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of President Jimmy Carter. He was more than just a former president; he was a true example of decency and humility. As a fellow naval officer, I’ve always felt a personal connection to his journey—from the small town of Plains, Georgia, to the White House, and beyond. His humility and dedication have always inspired me to serve with the understanding that there are so many less fortunate than myself.

President Carter’s commitment to human rights, his tireless work for peace, and his deep sense of moral clarity were not just hallmarks of his presidency, but of his entire life. He lived by a standard that showed us all what it means to be filled with kindness, to act with empathy, and to give without expecting anything in return.

As we reflect on his legacy, I’m reminded of how rare it is to encounter a leader so grounded in love for humanity. He was a man of deep faith and he exemplified it in his action. Rest in peace, Mr. President. Your example of service and compassion will forever inspire all of us.