US President Joe Biden has ordered the closure of government agencies and executive departments on January 9, to honor former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on Sunday, at the age of 100. The date has been declared a national day of mourning, with Biden urging Americans to gather in their places of worship to pay tribute.
The White House announced that Carter’s state funeral will also take place on January 9, accompanied by public observances in Atlanta and Washington. A private interment ceremony will follow in Carter’s hometown of Plains, Georgia.
Jimmy Carter served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981. His presidency included milestones such as the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, the Panama Canal treaties, and the creation of the US Departments of Energy and Education. His tenure also faced significant challenges, including the Iran hostage crisis and an economic downturn.
In 2002, Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in promoting human rights, democracy, and conflict resolution. Post-presidency, Carter focused on global humanitarian initiatives through The Carter Center, engaging in election monitoring and health campaigns.
A native of Plains, Georgia, Carter graduated from the US Naval Academy and served as Georgia’s governor before his presidency. He was married to Rosalynn Carter for 77 years until her passing in November 2023. Together, they had four children.
Carter holds the distinction of being the longest-lived US president.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee expressed condolences, highlighting Carter’s “decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.”
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