WASHINGTON—Today, AARP CEO Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan released the following statement in response to the passing of former President Jimmy Carter:

With the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, we lost a great American and humanitarian. As President, he was a strong and outspoken advocate of human rights throughout the world and made that a cornerstone of his time in office. 

He continued his lifelong commitment to promoting and fighting for human rights after he left office by founding the Carter Center with his wife Rosalynn and their four children. With a mission to wage peace, fight disease and build hope, the Carter Center has touched the lives of millions of people throughout the world by helping to alleviate human suffering, prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health, including advocating for family caregivers and mental health.

As our longest-living former President, Jimmy Carter also taught us all how to age with independence, dignity and purpose. He was a dedicated public servant who continued to serve others throughout his life. He gave freely of his time as a volunteer teaching Sunday school, building homes for the poor with Habitat for Humanity and traveling the world promoting human rights.

Jimmy Carter made life better for those in need, helped make communities more livable, and demonstrated what it means to live with dignity and purpose to the very end of life. While we mourn his loss, we will continue to be inspired by his lifelong commitment to service and his dedication to making life better for others.  All of us at AARP send our deepest sympathies to the Carter family.

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About AARP
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.