International tributes were led by Israeli President Isaac Herzog, China’s President Xi Jinping and Egyptian leader Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who praised Carter as “a symbol of humanitarian efforts.”
Pope Francis offered “heartfelt condolences,” the Vatican said, recalling Carter’s “firm commitment, motivated by deep Christian faith, to the cause of reconciliation and peace.”
Carter voted for the last time in November’s presidential election, casting his ballot by mail, according to his family, after voicing determination to “live to vote for Kamala Harris,” the Democratic vice president who was ultimately defeated by Trump.
He was the oldest ever former US president, outliving writers who contributed to his obituaries at The New York Times and Washington Post by seven years and 10 years respectively.
His longevity had seemed unlikely when the Southern Democrat revealed in 2015 that he had brain cancer.
‘Untiring effort’
The US Navy veteran defied the odds to enjoy a long post-presidency, after four years in the Oval Office notable for his success in forging peace between Israel and Egypt, but overshadowed by the Iran hostage affair and his handling of an oil crisis.
