Jimmy Carter remembered: Minnesota honors late president
(FOX 9) - Former president Jimmy Carter passed away at 100 years old at his home in Plains, Georgia. His passing comes nearly two years after he entered hospice care.
Remembering Jimmy Carter
The Backstory: The late Jimmy Carter went from being a peanut farmer to holding the highest office in the nation and then to helping everyday people have a home.
"An extraordinary man, an incredible legacy, both as president and since his presidency," said Chris Coleman, President and CEO of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity.
One of Carter’s most well-known humanitarian work is with Habitat for Humanity. It’s an organization he’s been volunteering with since the 1980s.
Local Perspective: The work brought him around the country, including here to Minnesota.
"In 2010, I actually had an opportunity to work alongside President Carter at a house over on the side of Saint Paul," said Coleman.
Always by his side, his late wife and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter.
"When they put on a tool belt, they were there to work. They were not there for a photo op. Both Jimmy and Rosalynn were hard workers. They knew their way around a construction site," said Coleman.
What they’re saying: His tireless dedication to public service was recognized in 2002 when Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize.
"He showed people what resiliency means and what public service means with his work," said US Senator Amy Klobuchar.
Klobuchar had the opportunity to spend time with the Carters several years ago.
"I got to know the Carters fairly well since that time when I ran for President, they had me to their home in Plains, and I got to have Rosalynn's pimento sandwiches," said Klobuchar.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz says the former president defined what it means to be a servant leader. Adding: "He fought for our democracy, our climate, humanity, and civil rights around the world. We can find peace today knowing that he is reunited with the love of his life, Rosalynn."
What's next?: President Carter is survived by his four children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.
The Carter Center says there will be public observances in Atlanta and Washington D.C. before he is laid to rest in a private service next to his beloved Rosalynn in Plains, Georgia.