LANSING (WWJ/AP) Some of the biggest names in Michigan politics are reacting to the death of Former President Jimmy Carter--as well as remembering his life and legacy.
Speaking live on WWJ, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-6th District) called Carter "one of the most decent human beings" whose work was "totally selfless."
Carter, the longest living U.S. President, died Sunday in his hometown of Plains, Georgia at 100 years old. He was the 39th president, serving from 1977 to 1981.
More on Carter's life and legacy here.
During his term; he battled challenges both domestic and abroad, including inflation, the 1979 energy crisis and the Iran hostage crisis.
"I think he was not appreciated when he was president," Dingell said.
He was also a man of faith, an author, and a humanitarian.
In 1982; the Carters founded the Carter Center, where they championed for international peace, public health and human rights.
"What he did post presidency, people look back and recognize the significant accomplishments he made," Dingell said. "...He worked on global public health issues, he eradicated disease. People do not realize that. He tried to bring peace in the Middle East. We're fighting some of the same issues now that he fought during his entire presidency."
The Carter Center's work also included defusing nuclear tensions in North and South Korea, negotiating ceasefires in Bosnia and Sudan and averting a U.S. invasion of Haiti. They monitored elections in Latin America, Asia and Africa. By 2022, they had declared over 100 races in those continents to be either free or fraudulent. The center now monitors U.S. elections too.
He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer
"President Carter was a good man and exemplary American who set a powerful example for all of us over the course of his long life.
He rose from peanut farmer to president, serving in the U.S. Navy, the state legislature, and as Governor of Georgia along the way. In the White House, President Carter brokered peace, established the Departments of Energy and Education, advocated for solar energy, and doubled the amount of land for national parks and wildlife refuges.
After serving as the most powerful person on the planet, he dedicated decades of his life to helping those around the world who had the least. He helped build thousands of homes with Habitat for Humanity, and established the Carter Center, focused on health and human rights. And he made time to preach from his community pulpit on Sundays.
President Carter lived an impressive life, driven by fundamental core values that so many of us share: faith, patriotism, and love. My thoughts are with his family.”
Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist
“Jimmy Carter was an incredible leader who worked every day of his life before, during, and after his presidency to make a difference for his fellow Americans and create a more prosperous and peaceful world. He extended a helping hand toward those in need and fought tirelessly for human rights, global development, and peace.
As a state legislator, governor, president, statesman, and Nobel Peace Prize winner, he understood the unique mission and meaning of public service: helping his fellow citizens live their best lives and reach their full potential. As the nation grieves his passing, let us reflect on the lessons of his life and recommit to following in his footsteps, creating a more connected and conscientious world for all of us.”
Congressman John Moolenar (R-2nd District)
"Jimmy Carter sought to humbly serve others each day. After serving in the Navy, he returned home, and like many Americans, he became involved in his local community. After his presidency, he and his wife, Rosalynn, helped build Habitat for Humanity into what it is today. Together, the Carters demonstrated 77 years of enduring love and steadfast marriage to one another. The entire Carter family is in my prayers today."
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel
”I offer my condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of former President Jimmy Carter as America mourns his passing. We should all cherish the example he left us, of a lifetime of model citizenship and decades of selfless service to his fellow Americans.
Among his lifetime of accomplishments, President Carter will surely be remembered for his service to our nation, his pioneering civil rights activism, his staunch commitment to environmental policy, and his extensive post-presidency humanitarian work. His legacy will honor our country for generations to come.”
Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter
“President Jimmy Carter was an extraordinary and humble man who lived his values by devoting his life to helping the most vulnerable among us. He will always be a shining example of the true public servant, whether it was fighting for energy independence or human rights or picking up a hammer to build affordable housing with Habitat for Humanity. We were privileged to witness and learn from his selfless humanity in and after he left office.”
Wayne County Commission Chair Alisha Bell
“President Carter took over a fractured country in 1976 and through his selflessness and determination to unite all Americans many of his achievements are still felt today.
Lingering memories of his presidency often point unfairly to a negative term in the White House, but many of his policies – energy independence, a healthier economy, environmental programs - came to fruition after he left office. In 2002, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and to receive that prestigious honor shows that long after he left office he was still pursuing his passion of making the world a better place for all.
I also know he was a true friend to the city of Detroit and Wayne County!”
Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-6th District)
“President Carter’s legacy is one of tireless work, selflessness, and service to his nation and neighbors. When Jimmy Carter won the presidency, he sought to unite Americans and heal a fractured country. The effects of his advocacy on issues including environmentalism, conservation and human rights can still be felt today.
However, his most remarkable and impactful work came following his time in office, as he helped to significantly expand Habitat for Humanity, shared his wealth of experience with students as a Distinguished Professor at Emory University and established the Carter Center to continue his work promoting democracy and human rights around the world.
He and John had a candid and honest relationship in the later years and both cared deeply about our country, and he never stopped working to uphold and protect our democracy. President Carter cared about humanity and believed so deeply in the importance of public service and giving back, and I hope we all continue to learn from the example he set.”