On November 28, 2023, former US President Jimmy Carter shows up at Glenn Memorial Church in Atlanta, Georgia, for a memorial service honoring former US First Lady Rosalynn Carter. (Image courtesy of Andrew Ballesteros-Reynolds/AFP) (Image courtesy of Andrew Cabello-Reynold)
ATLANTA – The recent tribute service in Atlanta for the late Rosalynn Carter, wife of former President Jimmy Carter, attracted attention for the blanket that covered his legs during the event.
Their love story is often hailed as one of the greatest in modern history. President Jimmy Carter first crossed paths with Rosalynn Carter in a hospital shortly after her birth. Their romance blossomed years later when Jimmy Carter, on a visit home from the United States Naval Academy, spotted Rosalynn and asked her out on a date. This marked the beginning of a long-distance relationship that eventually led to marriage after Jimmy’s graduation.
After relocating numerous times during Carter’s service in the Navy, the couple returned to their hometown of Plains to manage the family’s peanut business. Over time, Jimmy became involved in politics and went on to become the President of the United States. Following his defeat in the 1980 election, the Carters returned to Plains, continuing to passionately advocate for their causes and engage in humanitarian efforts through the Carter Center and their work with Habitat for Humanity. Their bond as best friends and political partners remained steadfast throughout their lives.
This enduring love story took center stage on Tuesday as the 99-year-old former president attended his wife’s tribute service, despite being under hospice care since February. The service, held over 100 miles away from their home, showcased Mr. Carter’s unwavering dedication.
Despite initial uncertainty about his attendance, it was announced on Monday that Mr. Carter would be present. Reports suggest that he spent the night at the Carter Center to be close to his wife. Mr. Carter was wheeled into the sanctuary of Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church just before the service, covered by a blanket adorned with an illustration of the couple, referred to as “The Carters.” This blanket also paid homage to Plains, the town where they first crossed paths as children and later as young adults. It featured the text “est. 1885” and showcased images of dogwood flowers, buildings, and more. Rosalynn Carter passed away at the age of 96 on November 19, shortly after entering hospice care. The Carter’s marriage endured an incredible 77 years.
The ceremonies in honor of Mrs. Carter began on Monday with a wreath-laying at the Rosalynn Carter Health and Human Sciences Complex at Georgia Southwestern State University. Members from her Secret Service detail, both past and present, escorted her to a hearse at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus.
Mrs. Carter’s motorcade then traveled to the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta. Upon her arrival, a brief service allowed the public to pay their respects as she lay in repose that evening. The invite-only tribute service took place on Tuesday in Atlanta and was attended by hundreds of people, including President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, former First Ladies Laura Bush, Michelle Obama, and Melania Trump, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Marty Kemp, Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, Mayor Andre Dickens, and numerous other officials, family members, and friends. Former President Carter sat at the front of the church during the service, accompanied by his daughter Amy Lynn Carter and son James Earl “Chip” Carter III, as well as President Biden, former President Bill Clinton, and others. Mr. Carter attentively listened as family members, including his daughter, son, grandson Jason Carter, and others, shared heartfelt memories and amusing stories about Mrs. Carter.
The ceremony also featured the Carters’ favorite pianist, David Osborne, as well as country superstars and close friends Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks, who performed John Lennon’s song “Imagine.” The funeral service is scheduled for November 28 at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, followed by a private burial at the Carter residence.
Rosalynn Carter, the beloved former first lady, will be laid to rest in her hometown of Plains, Georgia. FOX 5 Atlanta will provide comprehensive coverage of the service both on-air and online.