In brief
Carter, who passed away last month at the age of 100, is celebrated for his humility, integrity, and lasting impact on America and the world.
Americans are gathering to honor the life of former President Jimmy Carter as a nearly week-long state funeral commences following his passing last month at age 100. The formal ceremonies began with a solemn procession from Carter’s home in Plains, Georgia, to the state capital, Atlanta, where hundreds of attendees, both local and international, paid tribute to the beloved leader. On January 7, Carter’s remains will be flown to Washington, D.C., where he will lie in state at the U.S. Capitol, leading up to a celebratory service on January 9 that will feature speeches from multiple former presidents.One attendee, Heather Brooks, expressed deep admiration for Carter, highlighting his kindness and relatability. “He was powerful yet so humble,” she remarked. Paige Alexander, the head of the Carter Center, emphasized the former president’s commitment to sincerity and integrity, qualities that have become rare in modern politics. Flowers, handwritten messages, and symbolic bags of peanuts—a nod to Carter's humble beginnings as a peanut farmer—filled the grassy area outside the Carter Center.Jill Stuckey, a close friend of the Carter family, reflected on the couple’s enduring dedication to humanitarian efforts, remarking, “I don't know how we're going to get used to a world without President Carter.” The motorcade memorial stopped at meaningful locations, including the church where Carter married Rosalynn in 1946, and the site of his boyhood home, now a National Historical Park, which rung its bell 39 times to honor the 39th president.As the state funeral continues, mourners will have the opportunity to visit Carter at his presidential library on January 5 and 6. Following the memorial in Washington National Cathedral on January 9, personal tributes from family will also brighten the somber atmosphere. Jason Carter, the former president’s grandson, articulated the profound impact his grandfather had on countless lives, reinforcing his legacy as “a beacon of love and respect.”
