Washington, D.C. – January 9, 2025
Today, the nation bid farewell to its 39th president, Jimmy Carter, in a solemn and historic ceremony in Washington, D.C. Carter, who passed away at the age of 100, was honored with full state funeral rites, marking the end of a remarkable century-long life dedicated to public service, diplomacy, and humanitarian efforts.
President Carter’s casket lay in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, where thousands of Americans—civilians, servicemembers, and dignitaries alike—filed past to pay their final respects. In a symbolic and poignant moment, Carter’s casket was transported from the Capitol for one final journey down Pennsylvania Avenue, passing the White House, where he served from 1977 to 1981. Over his life, Carter transformed from a Georgia peanut farmer to Commander-in-Chief and, in his post-presidency, a global champion of peace and human rights.
The official funeral service was held at the Washington National Cathedral, where presidents, world leaders, and everyday citizens gathered to honor a man whose presidency and legacy were defined by integrity, restraint, and a deep commitment to diplomacy. Notable moments from his administration—such as the Camp David Accords, his efforts in energy conservation, and the establishment of the Department of Education—were recalled with reverence and appreciation. While his single term in office was marked by challenges including inflation, the energy crisis, and the Iran hostage situation, Carter’s later years solidified his place as a moral compass in American life.
President Carter will be laid to rest in his beloved hometown of Plains, Georgia, next to his wife, Rosalynn, who passed away just months earlier. Today’s ceremonies in the nation’s capital reflected not only the end of an era, but also the enduring impact of a life lived in pursuit of peace, humility, and service.
It was a day of gratitude and remembrance—and Washington, for a moment, stood still to honor a president who never stopped working to make the world a better place.