Jimmy Carter Lies in State as Nation Honors 39th President
A Legacy of Service and Faith
President Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, continues to lie in state at the Capitol Rotunda as the nation honors his extraordinary life and legacy. His remains arrived in Washington on Tuesday as part of state funeral rites.
The Georgia native and Democrat, who passed away on December 29 at the age of 100, served as president from 1977 to 1981. Renowned for his deep religious faith and lifelong dedication to public service, Carterās impact extended far beyond his time in office.
A Presidency Reassessed
Carterās presidency came during a challenging era in American history, following the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal. As a political outsider, he brought new hope to the country but faced difficulties such as economic turbulence and international crises. Defeated in 1980 by Republican Ronald Reagan, Carterās presidency was initially seen as a disappointment by many voters. However, historians have since reassessed his tenure, lauding his commitment to integrity, human rights, and environmental advocacy.
Bipartisan Tributes in the Capitol
On Tuesday, Vice President Kamala Harris and House Speaker Mike Johnson delivered bipartisan tributes to Carter in the Capitol Rotunda. His flag-draped casket rests atop the historic Lincoln catafalque, where mourners from across the nation have gathered to pay their respects. The tributes highlighted his remarkable contributions to public service, his faith, and his humanitarian efforts.
State Funeral at Washington National Cathedral
Carterās remains will remain at the Capitol until Thursday morning, when they will be transported to Washington National Cathedral for a state funeral. President Joe Biden, a longtime ally of Carter, is set to deliver a eulogy. Other former presidents, including President-elect Donald Trump, are expected to attend.
Return to Georgia for Final Farewell
Following the state funeral, Carterās remains will be flown back to Georgia aboard the Boeing 747 known as Air Force One when carrying a sitting president. An invitation-only service will be held at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, where Carter taught Sunday School for decades after leaving the White House.
Resting Place in Plains, Georgia
Jimmy Carter will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, in a family plot near their longtime home in Plains. The couple built the home before his first state Senate campaign in 1962. It served as the foundation of their lives, reflecting their values of humility, community, and service.
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