Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation

Gerald R. Ford Family and Presidential Foundation Remember President Jimmy Carter

Carter and Ford’s friendship was a remarkable example of transcending partisan divides

December 29, 2024 — The Gerald R. Ford family and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation mourn the loss of a dear friend, President Jimmy Carter, upon his passing at the age of 100 on December 29, 2024.

No two former presidents formed a closer friendship across party lines than Jimmy Carter and Gerald R. Ford.

Statement from the Ford Family on Jimmy Carter’s death:

“With President Carter’s passing, the world has lost a great champion of human rights, a wise mediator of international peace, and a passionate proponent of the wellbeing, equality, and just treatment of all people. Though respected adversaries in the national political arena, our father’s and President Carter’s personal friendship grew and deepened through their shared faith and common vision for the healing and strengthening of our nation. Our Ford family celebrates the extraordinary life and legacy of President Carter. We send our love, prayers, and condolences to the Carter family.”

From Gleaves Whitney, executive director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation:

“The Gerald R. Ford Foundation is saddened to hear of President Carter’s passing. In all American history, never did two former presidents enjoy a closer friendship than Jerry Ford and Jimmy Carter. Despite contending against one another in the fiercely fought 1976 election, the two men became unlikely friends. Their lives of integrity provided timeless examples of our nation at its best. Their spirit of civic friendship is desperately needed today. Requiescat in pace.”

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Because of the great friendship between Presidents Ford and Carter, the foundation and center that carry on their work and legacy are proud to join forces on a number of pressing issues—trusted elections, civic education, and virtue-anchored leadership, among them. You can learn more about their collaborations in the most recent Ford Presidential Foundation magazine, The Brief.

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CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation fosters awareness of the life and legacy of America’s 38th President through activities promoting the high ideals of integrity, honesty, and candor that defined President Ford’s extraordinary career of public service. Join us as we celebrate 50 years since he took office, and see how you can help us continue the legacy.

2024 Gerald R. ford award for public service

Each year, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation awards the Medal for Distinguished Public Service to persons who have served the public good in the private and public sector.

The 2024 recipient was Mitch Daniels. For more than half a century, Governor Daniels has transformed every arena of public service that he has entered. His service has left a mark in the legislative and executive branches of the federal government, business, state government, and higher education. In every endeavor, his leadership has embraced qualities that merit admiration and that build trust between citizens and those who serve them.

In recognition of the award Governor Daniels delivered the annual William E. Simon Lecture in Public Affairs.

Foundation Partners

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

DeVos Learning Center

Past Events & News

H.W. Brands on The Ford Presidency, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Charles Lindberg, and the 2024 Election

Nov 7, 2024

H.W. Brands Seamlessly Tied Together a Range of Topics in a Lively Presentation H.W. Brands came back to the Ford two days after the 2024 presidential election. The bestselling historian and Pulitzer Prize finalist spoke about the significance of the Ford...

The Pardon: With Richard Norton Smith and Hank Meijer

Oct 22, 2024

The Exploration of a Controversial Decision, with Ford Biographer Richard Norton Smith and Board Trustee Hank Meijer Gerald Ford's pardon of his predecessor, Richard Nixon, was one of the greatest acts of political courage in postwar America. It was also one of the...

Doris Kearns Goodwin Speaks to Sell Out Crowd at The Ford

Oct 12, 2024

Pulitzer Prize-Winning Historian and Best-Selling Author Spoke with Jeff Polet on Navigating the Current Political Climate We were thrilled to partner with Democracy First and the Ford Presidential Museum to bring Doris Kearns Goodwin to the Ford on October 12. A...