Jimmy Carter: Biden Declares National Mourning Day As Ex-US President Dies

President Joe Biden has announced January 9 as a national day of mourning for Americans over the death of former President Jimmy Carter.

In a Sunday statement, Biden urged all American citizens to visit their places of worship to “pay homage” to the late US leader.

“I call on the American people to assemble on that day in their respective places of worship, there to pay homage to the memory of President James Earl Carter, Jr,” The US President said in a White House proclamation.

“I invite the people of the world who share our grief to join us in this solemn observance.”

Naijaonpoint reported earlier that Carter, renowned globally for his humanitarian efforts following his presidency, passed away at 100.

The Carter Center confirmed his death on Sunday, stating, “Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia.”

Carter’s death comes just months after the passing of his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn, who died in November 2023 at the modest home they built in 1961. The couple had spent their later years in the same house where Carter began managing his father’s peanut business before venturing into politics.

In February 2023, Carter announced his decision to enter hospice care, choosing to forego further medical intervention. At the time, his grandson, Jason Carter, shared, “They are at peace and – as always – their home is full of love,” in a heartfelt social media post.

Despite his declining health, Carter remained politically engaged, expressing his desire to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.

Carter, who served as the 39th president from 1977 to 1981, made history as the longest-living former U.S. president, surpassing George H.W. Bush in 2019.

Following his single term in office, he dedicated decades to charitable causes, including monitoring elections in developing countries, building homes through Habitat for Humanity, and teaching Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia.