Photo Credit: Getty Images
The nation bid a solemn farewell to Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, who passed away peacefully on December 29 at the age of 100. Carter was laid to rest on January 9 in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, beside his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Carter, who passed in November 2023.
Thousands gathered in tribute at the U.S. Capitol and the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta the day before, while a state funeral at the National Cathedral drew political leaders, including President Joe Biden, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and President-Elect Donald Trump. In an emotional eulogy, President Biden honored Carter's commitment to peace and humanitarian causes, fulfilling a personal promise made to his friend before his passing.
Carter's journey home was marked by a 40-mile motorcade, drawing mourners who lined the route to pay their respects. The private funeral at Maranatha Baptist Church highlighted the deep connection Carter shared with his community, where he once taught Sunday school.
Survived by his four children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren, Carter's legacy endures as a beacon of peace and human rights. "My father was a hero—not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love," his son Chip shared in a heartfelt statement.
Even as he faced health challenges in recent years, including a battle with brain cancer, Carter expressed gratitude for a fulfilling life, declaring his trust in God's hands. His life of service and humility remains a testament to his unwavering belief in the power of love and unity.
