Former President Jimmy Carter on death of Billy Graham

Former President Jimmy Carter issued a statement Wednesday saying he was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Evangelist Billy Graham.

Graham died at 99.

“Rosalynn and I are deeply saddened to learn of the death of The Reverend Billy Graham,” the statement said. “Tirelessly spreading a message of fellowship and hope, he shaped the spiritual lives of tens of millions of people worldwide.”

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“Broad-minded, forgiving, and humble in his treatment of others, he exemplified the life of Jesus Christ by constantly reaching out for opportunities to serve. He had an enormous influence on my own spiritual life, and I was pleased to count Reverend Graham among my advisors and friends.”