ATLANTA — Atlanta lost a legend Friday.
Beloved Braves hero and Major League record holder Hank Aaron died Friday at the age of 86, according to his daughter.
[READ: Braves legend Hank Aaron dies at age 86]
Condolences poured in for the “True Home Run King” after the news broke just before 10:30 a.m.
President Joe Biden issued a statement, saying:
“When I watched Henry Aaron play baseball, I knew I was watching someone special. It wasn’t just about watching a gifted athlete master his craft on the way to a Hall of Fame career as one of the greatest to ever play the game. It was that each time Henry Aaron rounded the bases, he wasn’t just chasing a record, he was helping us chase a better version of ourselves.
“With courage and dignity, he eclipsed the most hallowed record in sports while absorbing vengeance that would have broken most people. But he was unbreakable. He stemmed the vicious force of white supremacy, in death threats, hate mail, and in hardened hearts. What I deeply admired and respected about him is that each time he rounded those bases — an astonishing 755 trips home — he melted away more and more of the ice of bigotry to show that we can be better as a people and as a nation.
“Henry Aaron became, in the words of President Carter, “the first Black man for whom white fans in the South cheered.” It was not only his bat, but his character that won over those hearts and minds. For generations of athletes and civil rights advocates who followed, he showed how to be proud and be unafraid to stand up for what is right and just.
“Jill and I count ourselves among the many millions of Americans who are grateful for the memories he gave us and our families. As a nation, we will still chase the better version of ourselves that he set for us. As we do, we mourn his passing and send our prayers to his beloved Billye, their children and grandchildren, and the entire Aaron family.
“God bless, Henry “Hank” Aaron, an American hero.”
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms issued a statement, saying:
“Derek, our family and I join the nation in sending heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Billye Aaron, the beautiful wife of Henry “Hank” Aaron for nearly 50 years, and the entire family. This is a considerable loss for the entire city of Atlanta. While the world knew him as ‘Hammering Hank Aaron’ because of his incredible, record-setting baseball career, he was a cornerstone of our village, graciously and freely joining Mrs. Aaron in giving their presence and resources toward making our city a better place. As an adopted son of Atlanta, Mr. Aaron was part of the fabric that helped place Atlanta on the world stage. Our gratitude, thoughts and prayers are with the Aaron family.”
While the world knew him as ‘Hammering Hank Aaron’ because of his incredible, record-setting baseball career, he was a cornerstone of our village, graciously and freely joining Mrs. Aaron in giving their presence and resources toward making our city a better place. pic.twitter.com/hO7nkIYvVD
— Keisha Lance Bottoms (@KeishaBottoms) January 22, 2021
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced that flags will fly at half-staff starting Friday night until the day of Aaron’s funeral.
I have ordered flags to fly at half-staff to honor the passing of @Braves legend Hank Aaron. May generations of Georgians continue to be inspired by his groundbreaking career and tremendous impact on our state and nation. #RIPHammer pic.twitter.com/GrriaQQ5Fc
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) January 22, 2021
Former president Jimmy Carter, who is an avid Braves fan, released the following statement.
Rosalynn and I are saddened by the passing of our dear friend Henry Aaron. One of the greatest baseball players of all time, he has been a personal hero to us. A breaker of records and racial barriers, his remarkable legacy will continue to inspire countless athletes and admirers for generations to come. We send our love to Billye and their family and to Hank’s many fans throughout the world.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) January 22, 2021
Hank Aaron was one of the best baseball players we’ve ever seen and one of the strongest people I’ve ever met. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Aaron family and everyone who was inspired by this unassuming man and his towering example. pic.twitter.com/2RZdc82Y18
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 22, 2021
We are devastated by the passing of Hammerin’ Hank Aaron, one of the greatest players and people in the history of our game. He was 86. pic.twitter.com/bCvLOydGBZ
— MLB (@MLB) January 22, 2021
Statement from Arthur Blank on the passing of Hank Aaron. https://t.co/PYBwksM3oH pic.twitter.com/eZyKAR3F80
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) January 22, 2021
One of my heroes has died, Hank Aaron. While many will praise him what he did in baseball, I’ll praise him for what he did as a philanthropist to better the lives of Black people. He and Billye used their success to make others successful. Praying for the family. pic.twitter.com/0k7EuIlnYW
— Monica Kaufman Pearson (@MonicaWSB) January 22, 2021
America lost an extraordinary soul in @HenryLouisAaron. On the field, he brought power + purpose. In the community, Hank Aaron invested in progress, in people & in dreams. May his wife, Billye, his family and friends find peace in their sorrow, knowing how deeply he was loved. pic.twitter.com/TlFNuG9x0a
— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) January 22, 2021
I can’t imagine what Hank Aaron went through in his lifetime. He had every right to be angry or militant.....but never was! He spread his grace on everything and every one he came in contact with. Epitome of class and integrity. RIP Henry Aaron! #HammerinHank
— Chipper Jones (@RealCJ10) January 22, 2021
We will miss you.
— Be A King (@BerniceKing) January 22, 2021
Your leadership. Your grace.
Your generosity. Your love.
Thank you, #HankAaron.
Artist: @KadirNelson pic.twitter.com/gxwLifBVof
The Atlanta City Council released the following statement after the passing of baseball legend and Atlanta icon Hank Aaron:
“Hank Aaron will forever be remembered for his astonishing, record-breaking achievements on the baseball field, his civil rights activism, and his love and support for the community. We mourn his passing, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
During his career, he earned recognition as one of the best players in the game, a feat made even more incredible and impressive knowing the racial animus, intimidation, and pressure that he received. His stellar play on the field earned him immortality in the hallowed halls of America’s pastime, and his support for the community, especially for education and social freedom and equality, reinforced his amazing impact in Atlanta and throughout the world.”
Rest in Peace, Hank Aaron. 🙏❤️ pic.twitter.com/fTmOeK5Ksz
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) January 22, 2021
As a proud Georgian & American, I celebrate the life and mourn the passing of Hank Aaron - a sports icon who broke records on the field, while also breaking barriers in the field of civil rights and human relations.
— Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (@ReverendWarnock) January 22, 2021
I loved getting to spend some time with Hank Aaron a few years ago. He was a legend in every way! RIP pic.twitter.com/c56h79qJfj
— Coach Kirby Smart (@KirbySmartUGA) January 22, 2021
He made you feel like you mattered! The first time I met him I said “I’m not going to hide this Mr Aaron—I’m a fan.” He just smiled. Beloved Atlanta icon Hank Aaron has passed away at 86. Let’s celebrate his beautiful life. We’ll take you through his amazing life on ch 2.@wsbtv pic.twitter.com/tzeYhC35ef
— Fred Blankenship (@FBlankenshipWSB) January 22, 2021
Rest in Peace to American hero, icon, and Hall of Famer Hank Aaron. I still remember where I was back in the day when he set the record, at that time, to become the home run all time leader. While a legendary athlete, Hank Aaron was also an extraordinary businessman...
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 22, 2021
A legend on and off the ball field... the best to ever do it... RIP Mr Hank Aaron 🙏🏿 #44 pic.twitter.com/3LH6iB9auV
— David Ortiz (@davidortiz) January 22, 2021
Rest In Peace #HankAaron. A true baseball legend. pic.twitter.com/bDeuzfh8hx
— Barry L Bonds (@BarryBonds) January 22, 2021
A slugger has rounded the bases for the last time. Hank Aaron was a trailblazer and a hero who had to stare down hatred. He was also one of the best ballplayers to ever play the game. He was a joy to watch and a marvel to behold. May he Rest In Peace.
— Dan Rather (@DanRather) January 22, 2021
We mourn the great loss of one of the best baseball players of all time and an even better person, Hank Aaron. pic.twitter.com/6iYpKIAV3U
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) January 22, 2021
We celebrate the life and journey of the great, #HankAaron. He was a great athlete and a great person. May he Rest In Peace and Power. pic.twitter.com/b2npJsaW5H
— Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) January 22, 2021
Henry. Louis. Aaron. Rest In Peace King. 👑👑👑#HankAaron #RIPHankAaron pic.twitter.com/z2kY2stvfs
— Mark Arum (@MarkArum) January 22, 2021
When I was a kid, learning about Hank Aaron’s life and career meant learning for the first time that folks were still treated differently because of the color of their skin. Also it meant learning about an amount of dignity that I couldn’t possibly comprehend. #RIPHankAaron
— Jason Isbell (@JasonIsbell) January 22, 2021
Hank Aaron, my childhood baseball hero, has gone home. Watching him break Babe Ruth’s record for most home runs on television was a monumental moment. As a young black child, he inspired me to push for excellence. Rest easy Sir. pic.twitter.com/frco9tTIdV
— Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) January 22, 2021
#HankAaron was as decent, kind and inspirational a human being as ever walked this earth. Leading up to breaking Ruth’s record, he received roughly 3,000 pieces of hate mail a day... 3,000! BECAUSE OF THE COLOR OF HIS SKIN!#America
— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) January 22, 2021
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