From St. Croix, Biden Marks the End of Carter’s 100 Years

U.S. President Joe Biden paused his last official vacation as president to mourn the passing of former President Jimmy Carter on Sunday.

Carter died at his home in Georgia, a few weeks after his 100th birthday. Addressing the nation from St. Croix, Biden called his predecessor-in-chief a statesman, humanitarian, and, above all, a friend. On Sunday, the president also set Jan. 9 as the date for a state funeral, which was perhaps the last official act of the Biden presidency.

Carter made history as the oldest living president when he reached the century mark on Oct. 1. Virgin Islands leaders led by Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. joined their distinguished guest in expressing their condolences upon hearing of Carter’s death. Citing his postpresidential work to fight disease, build homes for the poor, advance diplomacy, and promote fair elections and civil rights, Biden said the 39th president won the hearts of many. “There are millions of people all around the world who feel that they have lost a friend as well, even though they never met him. That’s because Jimmy Carter lived a life measured not by his words but by his deeds,” the president said.