The passing of Jimmy Carter is being grieved in his small hometown and internationally.

In the small town of Plains, Georgia, news travels fast. So when Johnny Jones received a text from a friend about the passing of former U.S. President and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Jimmy Carter, he knew within minutes. In a town of less than 700 people, everyone knows each other and the news of Carter's death was felt deeply by all.

Jones, an 85-year-old resident of Plains, recalled the warm exchanges he had with "Mr. Jimmy" and his late wife, "Ms. Rosalynn". He shared how their presence in Plains had boosted the morale of the entire community. The Carters had put this small town on the world stage with their remarkable rise to the White House, followed by Carter's defeat in 1980 and subsequent work as a global humanitarian.

As Jones sat on his front porch, he could see black ribbons hanging alongside U.S. flags in front of the souvenir shops and cafes that make up the main street of Plains. This street holds significance as it is where Carter's 1976 presidential campaign headquarters, the old train depot, is located. The family also used to operate their peanut warehouses here. On this day, the street was lined with TV cameras and news trucks, reminding everyone of the impact Carter and his family had on this town.

Philip Kurland, a political memorabilia shop owner, recalled his personal interactions with Carter. He shared how the former president, not as a famous figure but as a friendly neighbor, once prayed with him when he was sick. Kurland expressed his disbelief at Carter's passing, saying he was telling people to start planning for his 101st birthday.

At Maranatha Baptist Church, where the Carters taught Sunday school for many years, a silent vigil was held in honor of the former president. People lit candles at the altar, surrounded by lighted Christmas trees, as soft piano music played in the background. In Washington, preparations were underway for the state funeral that would affirm Carter's global status. President Joe Biden had declared a national day of mourning for Jan. 9, 2025, and confirmed that he would deliver a eulogy for his fellow Democrat. Congressional leaders had also confirmed that Carter's body would lie in state at the National Cathedral from Jan. 7 to Jan. 9.

At the United Nations, the Security Council held a moment of silence to honor Carter's memory. The council released a statement praising his work as a peacemaker and his tireless efforts in promoting human rights and democracy. China's deputy U.N. ambassador also commended Carter for his role in establishing relations between Beijing and Washington.

In Egypt, human rights defender Hossam Bahgat remembered Carter as a courageous leader who was not afraid to speak out against injustices. He highlighted Carter's early warning about "Israeli apartheid" against Palestinians, a stance that often put him at odds with the U.S. foreign policy establishment.

Back in Plains, neighbors of the Carter Center in Atlanta gathered to pay their respects to the former president. They praised his commitment to public service and his work with organizations like Habitat for Humanity. Habitat's CEO, Jonathan Reckford, shared how the Carters' involvement had helped the organization grow. He recalled how the world first found out about Habitat when the Carters participated in a build in New York City in 1984.

Jason Carter, the former president's grandson, spoke about Carter's lifelong commitment to service, which was deeply rooted in his upbringing in Plains. He shared how his grandfather was able to connect with people from all walks of life and help them without being condescending. This was a trait that came naturally to Carter, having grown up in a small town like Plains.

As the town of Plains mourns the loss of the Carters, some residents like Jones worry about the future of their town without their famous neighbors. But longtime Carter friend, Jill Stuckey, who oversees the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, is optimistic. She commended the Carters for their lasting impact on Plains and the world through their work with the Carter Center. She also shared how the Carters had planned to be buried in their hometown, where they were born, married, and spent most of their lives. Stuckey believes that the legacy of the Carters will continue to live on in Plains.

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