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From Sweden to the U.S.: Couple remembers Jimmy Carter's worldwide influence

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Published  January 2, 2025 1:29am EST
Jimmy Carter
FOX 5 Atlanta

President Jimmy Carter’s international appeal

People continue to leave flowers and notes at the Carter Center in advance of the public viewing that begins there on Saturday.

The Brief

    • On New Year's Day, many people visited the Carter Center to pay their respects to former President Jimmy Carter, including Karol and Morgan Larsson.
    • Morgan Larsson, originally from Sweden, highlighted Carter's global impact, noting his hero status in Sweden due to the hostage crisis resolution and his Nobel Prize.
    • Morgan shared a personal encounter with Carter, recalling how the former president shook hands with everyone on a flight.
    • Karol Larsson expressed pride in voting for Carter and praised his achievements, such as his work with Habitat for Humanity, disease eradication in Africa, and peace efforts in the Middle East.
    • The Larssons emphasized Carter's positive legacy in Sweden and expressed their admiration and sadness over his passing.

ATLANTA - Outside the Carter Center, a steady stream of people stopped by on New Year's Day to pay their respects to former President Jimmy Carter.

One couple talked to FOX 5 about his impact, not just in the U.S. but around the world.

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Karol and Morgan Larsson added a bouquet of flowers to the many others in front of the sign at the Carter Center. Morgan is originally from Sweden. It means a lot to him to be here.

"Carter. He's a hero over there. Everyone remembers the hostage crisis and the Nobel Prize, of course, from Sweden. He's well remembered. It's all over the papers in Sweden that he passed," said Morgan.

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OSLO, NORWAY - DECEMBER 10:  Former US President Jimmy Carter holds up his Nobel Peace Prize December 10, 2002 in Oslo, Norway. Carter was recognized for many years of public service and urged others to work for peace during his acceptance speech.  (Photo by Arne Knudsen/Getty Images)

Morgan even met the president one time while on a flight.

"He came around and shook everyone's hand. Amazing," said Morgan.

Karol Larsson remembers voting for President Carter.

"The first time I was eligible to vote was for Jimmy Carter, and it was a real honor to do so," said Karol.

She says he accomplished so much while president, and even after he left office.

"Habitat for Humanity for one," Karol said. "He inspired people to help and to give. And what he did in Africa, eradicating disease. What he did in the Middle East for peace, his relation with China, he opened those gates. He did a lot of good, but people tend to criticize his presidency. Not in Sweden though."

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"He's honored in Sweden. Very sad he's gone, but he lived a long beautiful life. We love Jimmy Carter," said Morgan.

The Source: This is an original article reported by FOX 5 Atlanta's Denise Dillon from the Carter Center.

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