Tributes pour in for 98-year-old Jimmy Carter after the family announced he will be moving into hospice

Tributes and well wishes have poured in for former US President Jimmy Carter, who announced on Saturday that he was turning down medical treatment and would receive palliative care at home with his wife, Rosalynn.

Carter, the 39th president of the United States who led the nation from 1977 to 1981, garnered praise from both sides of the political spectrum and was lauded for his unwavering commitment to public service long after his term in office.

Texas Representative Sheila Jackson Lee called him an “American treasure and icon” who showed “caring,” and posted a photo of a 95-year-old bruised and battered Carter who helped build homes with the NGO Habitat for humanity.

Former Democratic Senator Al Franken simply stated that Carter was the “greatest ex-president by far,” while political commentator and comedian Jon Stewart described him as “one of the kindest and most thoughtful people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.” He was the best of us.’

On Sunday, US President Joe Biden also paid tribute to fellow Democrat Carter, 98, writing on Twitter, “We admire you for the strength and humility you have shown during difficult times.

“May you continue your journey with grace and dignity, and God give you peace.”

After several hospitalizations, Carter has decided to spend his “remaining time” at home, his nonprofit organization The Carter Center announced Saturday.

Carter, the oldest living former president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, lives in Plains, Georgia, with his wife, Rosalynn.

Many of the tributes paid to him through social media spoke of the quality of his character and praised his efforts to help people regardless of his political views.

David Axelrod, a senior adviser to Barack Obama, said of Carter’s transition to hospice care: “Very sad news about a remarkable man and a wonderful American who has done so much for the world. I’m thinking of President Carter and his family.”

Even pro-Trump operative and right-wing lobbyist Roger Stone paid tribute to Carter’s life and legacy, writing, “Jimmy Carter was not a great president, but he is a good man, a patriotic American and an honest Christian… God bless it.’

Actress and activist Mia Farrow tweeted a lengthy thread praising his life’s work, highlighting in particular his role with the Habitat for Humanity charity and his efforts to improve access to healthcare in developing countries.

“Prayers and gratitude and love for this fine person who has given the world so much,” she said.

Maria Shriver, the niece of John F. Kennedy and former first lady of California, said he was an example to all.

“This man advances humanity every day. He’s such an inspiration,” she said. ‘Dedicated his entire life to public service. I send him and his family my love, my respect, my support.”

And New York Times columnist Nick Kristof tweeted, “I’ve been lucky enough to meet many presidents, kings, Nobel Peace Prize laureates and truly impressive people.

Few are as good as Jimmy Carter, who is now entering hospice at the age of 98.

“He leaves this planet so much better than he found it. A great, great, great man.’

Carter’s foundation, The Carter Center, founded in 1982 to pursue his vision of world diplomacy, tweeted, “We greatly appreciate all the kind words we have received from President Carter’s admirers.”

In recent years, Carter has undergone several hospital treatments, including when he revealed in August 2015 that he had brain cancer and was undergoing radiation — an illness from which he recovered, seemingly against all odds.

During his presidency, Carter championed human rights and social justice and enjoyed a strong first two years.

But his administration ran into numerous problems and he was relegated to a single term when he was defeated in 1980 by Republican challenger Ronald Reagan.

Carter said basic Christian principles such as justice and love were the foundation of his presidency, and he taught Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist, his Plains church, well into his 90s.

He maintained a reputation as a good person eager to live a life of service to others. At the age of 93, he took a rare flight on a commercial airliner and spent several minutes greeting everyone and shaking hands with passengers, stopping to talk to each of them.

And at age 95, he was seen using power tools to help build homes for the Habitat for Humanity charity, despite a recent fall and several cuts and bruises on his arms and face.

Amid the deluge of tributes to Carter on social media, dozens of well-wishers made the pilgrimage to the Carter Center headquarters in Atlanta on Sunday as prayers and memories of the former president’s legacy were offered at his small Baptist church in Plains, Georgia.

Among those paying tribute was his niece, who mentioned the years of service of the 39th president in an emotional speech at Maranatha Baptist Church, where Carter taught Sunday School for decades.

“I just want to read a quote from Uncle Jimmy,” Kim Fuller said during Sunday School morning service, adding, “Oh, this is going to be really hard.”

She was referring to this Carter quote: “I have one life and one chance to make it count for something. I am free to choose that something. My faith demands that I do what I can, where I can, when I can, as long as I can.”

“Maybe when we think about it, maybe it’s time to pass the baton,” Fuller said before leading the audience in prayer.

“Who picks it up, I have no idea. Don’t know. Because this stick is going to be a very big one.’