Delta Air Lines honors Jimmy Carter with a touching video of the former president.
The airline paid tribute to the 39th president of the United States – who died on Sunday, December 29, at the age of 100 – by re-showing a video taken years ago of Carter shaking hands with every passenger on his flight.
In a clip shared on X on Dec. 29, Carter can be seen with a big smile on his face as he makes his way to each row in full flight.
Passengers appear to look up at him and return a warm greeting, while one person can be heard saying in the background, “I love you, Jimmy Carter.”
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“Every time Jimmy Carter flew Delta, he shook hands with every person on the plane. Because that’s who he was,” Delta wrote a touching tribute. “Someone who treated people like people.”
“Today we celebrate his life – a great friend, family man, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize and a leader who showed us all how to properly treat those around us. Rest in peace, Mr. President. Your legacy lives on.” the inscription concludes.
The video was allegedly recorded in 2017 by passenger James Parker Sheffield on his way to Washington DC from Atlanta, according to WSBTV Atlanta.
“His enthusiasm was genuine and humble, in a way that made things feel less difficult for a moment,” Sheffield told the news outlet at the time.
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Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn in February 2017.
David Goldman/AP
After nearly two years in hospice care, Carter died at his home in Plains, Ga., at the age of 100. His last public appearance was at his wife Rosalynn’s funeral in November 2023. Rosalynn was by his side most of the time at the hospice until her death.
In his latest interview with PEOPLE in 2019, Carter credited his wife for the reason he lived so long.
“It’s hard to live to be 95,” Carter said at the time. “I think the best explanation for that is marrying the best spouse: someone who will take care of you and do things and do things that will challenge you and keep you alive and interested in life.”
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Carter’s funeral will last eight days and end with a ceremony at Washington National Cathedral on January 9, according to reports The New York Times. On Sunday, December 29, President Joe Biden declared the 9th a national day of mourning in honor of the funeral of the political leader and beloved humanitarian.
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