Mr Carter’s family announced his death on Sunday (December 29), more than a year after he decided to enter hospice care.
His son, Chip Carter, said: “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights and unselfish love.
“My brothers, sister and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs.
“The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honouring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.”
Former US President Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100. (Image: PA) Jimmy Carter, a former peanut farmer, served one term in the White House as US President between 1977 and 1981, taking over in the wake of the Watergate scandal and the end of the Vietnam War.
After his defeat by Ronald Reagan, he spent his post-presidency years as a global humanitarian, winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
King Charles and Prime Minister lead tributes to Jimmy Carter
Sir Keir Starmer, King Charles and former Prime Minister Tony Blair are among those to have paid tribute to Mr Carter following news of his death.
The King remembered former US president Jimmy Carter’s 1977 visit to the UK with “great fondness” and praised his “dedication and humility”.
A condolence message from The King to President Biden and the American people following the death of former US President Jimmy Carter. pic.twitter.com/EIZqj7MZeb
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) December 29, 2024
In a message to Mr Biden and the American people, King Charles said: “It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of President Carter.
“He was a committed public servant, and devoted his life to promoting peace and human rights.
“His dedication and humility served as an inspiration to many, and I remember with great fondness his visit to the United Kingdom in 1977.
“My thoughts and prayers are with President Carter’s family and the American people at this time.”
Sir Keir said Mr Carter had “lived his values in the service of others to the very end” through “decades of selfless public service”.
Praising a “lifelong dedication to peace” that saw him win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, he said: “Motivated by his strong faith and values, President Carter redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad.”
Very sorry to hear of President Carter’s passing. I pay tribute to his decades of selfless public service.
My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. pic.twitter.com/IaKmZcteb1
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) December 29, 2024
While Mr Blair added: “Jimmy Carter’s life was a testament to public service; from his time in office, and the Camp David Accords, to his remarkable commitment to the cause of people and peace round the world over the past 40 years,” he said.
“I always had the greatest respect for him, his spirit and his dedication. He fundamentally cared and consistently toiled to help those in need.”
US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump were among those in the US to pay tribute to Mr Carter.
Mr Biden described Mr Carter as an “extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian”.
Tune in as I deliver remarks on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter. https://t.co/uBeA38kmch
— President Biden (@POTUS) December 30, 2024
He said his fellow Democrat was a “dear friend”, as he announced that he will order a state funeral to be held for him in Washington DC.
Mr Biden said: “Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian,” he said.
“Over six decades, we had the honour of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter though is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well.
“With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us. He saved, lifted and changed the lives of people all across the globe.
“He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism.”
Mr Trump added that Mr Carter had “worked hard to make America a better place, and for that I give him my highest respect”.
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He said: “While I strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically, I also realised that he truly loved and respected our Country, and all it stands for.
“The challenges Jimmy faced as president came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans.
“For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.”