Jimmy Carter funeral: Biden and four former presidents attend memorial service at Washington National Cathedral

The former presidents were all accompanied by their spouses, with the exception of Obama, whose wife, Michelle Obama, was not in attendance.

A rare moment of unity among the nation’s leaders was marked by a private meeting before the service. The last time such a gathering occurred was in 2018, at the memorial service for George HW Bush.

The service marked the conclusion of Carter’s lying in state at the US Capitol, where Vice President Kamala Harris led tributes on Wednesday. In her eulogy, Harris celebrated Carter’s humanitarian work and diplomatic achievements, which extended well beyond his single term in office.

Front row, from left, President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff and second row from left, former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former President George W. Bush, Laura Bush, former President Barack Obama, President-elect Donald Trump and Melania Trump, stand during the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter at Washington National Cathedral in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Carter, who passed away at 100 on December 29, was praised for his decency, work ethic, and dedication to public service. Formal ceremonies began with a military procession carrying Carter’s casket from the US Capitol to the cathedral, followed by a 21-gun salute.

The Armed Forces Chorus performed before the casket was brought inside. Speakers included Stu Eizenstat, a former top White House staffer, and Andrew Young, a former mayor of Atlanta and UN ambassador.

A joint services body bearer team carries the flag-draped casket of former President Jimmy Carter into the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, for a State Funeral. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Carter’s last rites will culminate upon the return of his body to Georgia, where his funeral will take place at the Maranatha Baptist Church. His casket was placed beneath a wooden cross he had made himself. Carter, who won the presidency with promises of good government, had signed key legislation and brokered peace between Israel and Egypt.

Despite facing challenges like inflation and the Iran hostage crisis, Carter’s post-presidency work with The Carter Center focused on global health, conflict resolution, and advocating for equity.

Carter’s final resting place will be in a plot next to his wife, Rosalynn, on family land in Plains, Georgia.