And watch video of President Biden’s eulogy.
Current and former leaders of the United States gathered together Thursday to say a last goodbye to President Jimmy Carter, who died at 100 years old on Dec. 29.
America’s 39th commander-in-chief was honored at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., after his body had been lying in state at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. Following Thursday’s public service, Carter’s remains will be transported to Plains, Ga., his hometown. A private funeral service will be held at Maranatha Baptist Church, where the former president taught Sunday school, and he’ll be buried outside the home where he died.
President Joe Biden (who attended the service with his wife, First Lady Jill Biden) delivered an emotional eulogy. Biden described Carter as “a white southern Baptist who led on civil rights, a decorated Navy veteran who brokered peace, a brilliant nuclear engineer who led a nuclear nonproliferation, a hard-working farmer who championed conservation and clean energy.”
“Through it all, he showed us how character and faith start with ourselves and then flows to others,” Biden added.
Joining Biden at the service were all four living former presidents, including Donald Trump and his wife Melania, Barack Obama, George W. Bush and his wife Laura, and Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary. Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, were also present.
Michelle Obama was not in attendance; according to reports, she had a “scheduling conflict” and was still in Hawaii, where she had been on an “extended vacation.” A spokesperson told the Associated Press that “Mrs. Obama sends her thoughts and prayers to the Carter family and everyone who loved and learned from the remarkable former president.”
Carter’s grandson, Jason Carter, also delivered a message honoring his grandfather. “He led this nation with love and respect,” Jason said. “For me, this life was a love story from the moment that he woke up until he laid his head.” The service also included a performance of John Lennon’s “Imagine” by Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, honoring Carter’s deep connection to music (which was explored in depth in the 2020 documentary Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President).
Below, we take a look inside the moving service as one of the most beloved figures in modern American history is laid to rest.
Jimmy Carter’s State Funeral in Pictures
