Former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100, is set to lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda in January, as reported by Fox News. President Biden announced that Carter's funeral at the Washington National Cathedral is scheduled for January 9, which will be observed as a National Day of Mourning. Biden has called on the American people to pay homage to Carter's memory on that day in their respective places of worship.
All American flags will fly at half-staff for the next 30 days in honor of the 39th president. Carter is expected to lie in state at both the Georgia State Capitol and the U.S. Capitol before his state funeral in Washington, D.C. The New York Times reported that multiple observances of Carter's death are anticipated in Atlanta, Georgia, and Washington, D.C.
The final arrangements for Carter's state funeral, including public events and motorcade routes, are still pending, according to the Carter Center. Carter will be privately interred in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, where he returned after his presidency. His passing followed years of health challenges, including cancer that had spread to his liver and brain.
Carter's wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Carter, passed away in November 2023 at the age of 96. The news of Carter's death elicited sympathy from both sides of the political spectrum, with President-elect Trump expressing gratitude for Carter's service as president. Trump highlighted the challenges Carter faced during his presidency and his efforts to improve the lives of all Americans.
In a statement, Carter's son, Chip Carter, described his father as a hero who believed in peace, human rights, and unselfish love. Chip Carter expressed gratitude for the continued honor of his father's memory through the shared beliefs that brought people together.
More details about the funeral and ceremony plans for Carter are expected to be revealed in the coming days.
