Former Carter White House press secretary Jody Powell died of a heart attack this afternoon, ABC News, and other outlets, report. He was 65.

>>UPDATE: Current White House press secretary Robert Gibbs issued this statement:

Statement from the Press Secretary on the Passing of Press Secretary to President Carter Jody Powell

"I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Jody Powell. As Press Secretary to President Carter, Jody served his country during a difficult time, and he always did the job with grace and good humor. When I needed advice at the start of my own tenure as Press Secretary, he was always generous with his time and wise in his counsel. I'll miss his support and encouragement, and I'll be keeping him and his family in my thoughts and prayers."