Statement by Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter
on the Death of Lady Bird Johnson

July 11, 2007


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


CONTACT: Deanna Congileo

404-420-5108

ATLANTA....Rosalynn and I are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Lady Bird Johnson. Her commitment to public service and caring spirit were  unwavering. While she was well known for beautifying our nation's highways and supervising inner-city cleanups, Rosalynn and I most remember her empathy for the disadvantaged. Many people's lives are better today because  she championed with enthusiasm civil rights and programs for children and the poor. During her husband's campaign for the presidency in 1964, she  visited cities in the South considered too racially volatile for his  presence. She was President Johnson's full partner in the War on Poverty,  including convincing him to implement the Head Start program and serving as its honorary chair. Most of all, we shared her friendship, and we will miss her. Rosalynn and I extend our heartfelt sympathy to the entire Johnson  family during this time of grief.

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