Understanding the State Funeral of Jimmy Carter: Details and Notable Attendees

Former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100, is set to be honored with a state funeral on January 9, following his death two years after entering hospice care. Carter will be laid to rest next to his wife, Rosalynn, in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. A state funeral is a national remembrance event typically held for American leaders who have made substantial contributions to public life, with the last state funeral being for George H.W. Bush in 2018.Carter's funeral events are scheduled in three distinct phases, beginning in his hometown. On January 4, a motorcade will pay tribute to both Carter's childhood home and the community, subsequently moving to Atlanta for a public service at the Carter Presidential Center. His remains will be on display at the presidential library for public viewing on January 5 and 6.Afterward, Carter will be transported to Washington, D.C., with ceremonies starting at the US Navy Memorial on January 7. A horse-drawn procession will follow to the US Capitol, where the public will have an opportunity to pay respects as he lies in state for two days. The national funeral service will take place on January 9 at Washington National Cathedral, expected to be attended by several former presidents.President Joe Biden, who was specifically requested by Carter to deliver the eulogy, is among those anticipated to attend, alongside former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, and former first ladies, including Jill Biden. While attendance details for President Donald Trump remain uncertain, he had previously skipped Rosalynn Carter's funeral last year.In observance of Carter’s passing, President Biden has declared January 9 a national day of mourning, with the federal government and financial markets to remain closed. Flags at federal buildings will fly at half-mast for 30 days in memory of the former president.