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Jimmy Carter attends funeral of late wife Rosalynn in Georgia hometown: Updates

Jimmy Carter, 99, attended the funeral service of his late wife, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter his hometown of Plains, Georgia

Rachel Sharp,Ariana Baio
Thursday 30 November 2023 12:40 EST
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President Jimmy Carter arrives at wife Rosalynn’s funeral

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Former President Jimmy Carter appeared beside his family to honour his late wife, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, at a private funeral service on Wednesday in Plains, Georgia.

Carter, a renowned mental health advocate, died on November 19 at the age of 96, just two days after entering hospice. Earlier this year she was diagnosed with dementia.

Wednesday’s funeral was a private event for Carter’s close friends and family, marking the end of three days of memorial and tribute services.

During the service, several of Carter’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren spoke at her funeral, recalling her empathetic nature.

The funeral service will be followed by a private internment, closed to the media, at the Carter family residence.

It comes one day after a public tribute service to the late first lady which was attended by President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, former President Bill Clinton and former First Ladies Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama, Laura Bush and Melania Trump.

Jason Carter welcomes first ladies and ‘their lovely husbands’

The grandson of former President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter delivered a funny and moving speech about his grandmother who died on November 19th.

To introduce the guests of honors, Mr Carter thanked all the former First Ladies including Melania Trump, Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama and Laura Bush as well as current First Lady Jill Biden for coming.

To throw in some humour, Mr Carter added: “Secretary Clinton and Dr Biden, we also welcome your lovely husbands." 

Ariana Baio28 November 2023 19:45

Country stars perform at funeral service

US country singer Trisha Yearwood and husband Garth Brooks perform during a tribute service for former US First Lady Rosalynn Carter, at Glenn Memorial Church in Atlanta, Georgia.

(AFP via Getty Images)
Graeme Massie28 November 2023 19:52

Rosalynn Carter’s tribute service ends

Carter’s coffin was removed from the church as former President Jimmy Carter also left the building in his wheelchair.

Graeme Massie28 November 2023 19:56

Former presidents and first ladies leave tribute service

Bill Clinton could be seen tapping his heart and pointing at people in the audience.

Graeme Massie28 November 2023 19:58

Watch: President Carter arrives at tribute service to wife Rosalynn

President Carter arrives at tribute service to wife Rosalynn
Ariana Baio28 November 2023 20:00

Rosalynn carter’s casket loaded into hearse after service

Her family watched from the steps of the church as members of the us military solemnly loaded the casket into the hearse.

Graeme Massie28 November 2023 20:01

Images from tribute service

James "Chip" Carter kisses the casket of his mother, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, during a tribute service at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church on November 28, 2023
James "Chip" Carter kisses the casket of his mother, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, during a tribute service at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church on November 28, 2023 (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
James "Chip" Carter kisses his father, former President Jimmy Carter, after speaking during a tribute service for his mother, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, at Glenn Memorial Church at Emory University on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, in Atlanta, as Amy Carter, left, looks on.
James "Chip" Carter kisses his father, former President Jimmy Carter, after speaking during a tribute service for his mother, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, at Glenn Memorial Church at Emory University on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, in Atlanta, as Amy Carter, left, looks on. (AP)
Graeme Massie28 November 2023 20:16

Amy Carter shares Jimmy Carter’s words about Rosalynn

Amy Carter, the only daughter of former President Jimmy and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, shared words that Mr Carter wrote about his late wife.

“My mom spent most of her life in love with my dad,” Ms Carter said teary-eyed. “Their partnership and love story was a defining feature of her life.”

Ms Carter said because her father was unable to speak at the tribute, she chose to read from a letter Jimmy that he wrote to Rosalynn 75 years ago.

My darling, every time I have ever been away from you, I had been thrilled when I returned to discover just how wonderful you are. While I’m away I tried to convince myself that you really are not could not be as sweet and beautiful as I remember. But when I see you I fall in love with you all over again. Does that seem strange to you? It doesn’t to me. Goodbye darling. Until tomorrow, Jimmy”

Amber Jamieson128 November 2023 20:30

Journalist Judy Woodruff deliver eulogy of Rosalynn Carter

Judy Woodruff, a journalist and producer who notably worked for PBS NewsHour, delivered the eulogy of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter during her tribute service on Tuesday.

During her speech, Ms Woodruff recalled her last interview with the Carters – where they complimented the current administration under President Joe Biden.

Ariana Baio28 November 2023 20:45

Watch: Amy Carter, daughter of former president and first lady, reads a love letter from Jimmy to Rosalynn

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter's daughter reads a love letter from Jimmy to Rosalynn
Ariana Baio28 November 2023 21:00

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