Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, will be honored with a funeral at Washington National Cathedral on Thursday. This ceremony comes after his passing on December 29 at the age of 100. Following the service in Washington, there will be a second service and burial in his hometown in Georgia.
President Joe Biden, who supported Carter’s presidential campaign in 1976, will deliver a eulogy. All living former presidents are expected to attend, including President-elect Donald Trump, who paid his respects to Carter earlier this week.
The funeral will be a rare gathering of former presidents, showcasing a moment of unity for the nation. Many political leaders, business figures, and citizens have come together to celebrate Carter’s legacy of decency and hard work. Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, praised Carter for his commitment to humanitarian causes, saying he set a high standard for future presidents.
Bernice King, daughter of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., also spoke about Carter’s impact, comparing him to her father. She noted that both men led with love and faith.
The ceremonies began in Plains, Georgia, where Carter was born and lived most of his life. After lying in state in the Capitol, mourners waited in long lines to pay their respects. Tributes have focused on Carter’s humanitarian work after his presidency, as well as his time in office from 1977 to 1981.
After the Washington service, Carter’s family will return to Georgia on a special Air Force One plane. There, a funeral will be held at Maranatha Baptist Church, where Carter taught Sunday School for many years. His casket will be placed beneath a wooden cross he made himself.
Carter will be buried next to his wife, Rosalynn Carter, who passed away in 2023 after 77 years of marriage. During his presidency, Carter was known for promoting good government and honesty, signing important legislation and negotiating peace between Israel and Egypt. After leaving office, he and Rosalynn founded The Carter Center, which focuses on global health, conflict resolution, and promoting equality. The center currently employs around 3,000 people worldwide.
