Jimmy Carter Honored with State Funeral in Washington, D.C.

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, the 39th commander-in-chief, was honored with a state funeral at Washington National Cathedral on Thursday, January 9, 2025. The ceremony, attended by current and former U.S. leaders, marked the culmination of six days of national mourning for Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100.

The funeral procession began at the U.S. Capitol, where Carter’s flag-draped casket had lain in state since Tuesday. A 21-gun salute and a rendition of “Hail to the Chief” accompanied the departure of the casket, which was then transported to the cathedral. The service featured tributes from President Joe Biden, former U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young, and other dignitaries, highlighting Carter’s legacy of humanitarian work and bipartisan leadership.

President Biden, who endorsed Carter during his 1976 campaign, delivered a eulogy praising Carter’s commitment to public service and his post-presidential efforts through The Carter Center. “He set a very high bar for presidents, how you can use voice and leadership for causes,” Biden said. Former presidents, including Donald Trump, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and their spouses, attended the service, showcasing a rare moment of unity among political rivals.

Andrew Young, a close friend of Carter, reflected on their shared history, noting Carter’s groundbreaking efforts to elevate Black appointees and his focus on African issues. “We still haven’t caught up with him,” Young said. “He was ahead of his time.”

Following the Washington service, Carter’s remains were flown to Plains, Georgia, his hometown, for a private funeral at Maranatha Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday School for decades. He was buried on family land beside his wife, Rosalynn Carter, who passed away in 2023 after 77 years of marriage.

Carter’s presidency, marked by the Camp David Accords and efforts to combat inflation, was followed by decades of global humanitarian work. The Carter Center, founded in 1982, continues to address issues such as disease eradication, conflict mediation, and election monitoring, employing 3,000 people worldwide.