Ailing former President Jimmy Carter did not miss his late wife Rosalynn’s funeral on Tuesday, despite being confined to a wheelchair for the occasion.
The 39th president, 99, was wheeled to his place in the front row of Glenn Memorial Church on the campus of Emory University in Atlanta, alongside honored guests, including President Biden and the first Lady Jill Biden.
Jimmy Carter’s custom-made suit for the occasion was covered by a blanket with a photo of his late wife, to whom he had been married for 77 years.
“He’s nearing the end and he’s very, very physically diminished,” his grandson Jason Carter told the New York Times before the service.
“But I think he was proud and happy to have been there for her until the end, and he wasn’t going to miss this for anything.”
Jason added that his grandfather “has been a moral rock for a lot of people,” but Rosalynn, who died Nov. 19 at the age of 96, “really was a rock for him.”
“He’s glad he didn’t miss it, but we’re all worried about him.”
Former President Jimmy Carter arrives to attend a memorial for his wife, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. AP The casket of former first lady Rosalynn Carter, wife of former President Jimmy Carter, arrives at the Glenn Memorial Church in Atlanta, Georgia, November 28, 2023. REUTERS
The former president, who has been in home hospice care for 10 months and had not been seen in public since September, stayed Monday night at the Carter Center, executive director Paige Alexander said, just steps from where the former president lay at rest. first lady.
(From back) Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former First Lady Laura Bush, former First Lady Michelle Obama and former First Lady Melania Trump arrive for a memorial service. AFP via Getty Images Former US first ladies Michelle Obama, Melania Trump, Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton, US Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff arrive. REUTERS President Biden, former presidents and first ladies attend Rosalynn Carter’s memorial service. Reuters Carter’s custom-made suit for the occasion was covered by a blanket with a photo of his late wife. AFP via Getty Images
“He never wants to be too far from her,” she said, adding, “He had a good night. He is rested.”
He admitted the trip was “difficult” for the 99-year-old, but said: “This is her last trip and it will probably be his too. … It is already decided”.
Tuesday’s memorial service was also attended by all living former first ladies, including Melania Trump, Michelle Obama, Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton.
The casket of former first lady Rosalynn Carter arrives at Glenn Memorial Church. REUTERS The casket of former first lady Rosalynn Carter arrives inside the Glenn Memorial Church, Tuesday, November 28, 2023, in Atlanta. AP
Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, former President Bill Clinton and former First Lady Hillary Clinton.
“Secretary Clinton and Dr. Biden, we also welcome your lovely husbands,” Jason Carter joked at one point in his remarks.
Other attendees included Vice President Kamala Harris, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and former President Bill Clinton.
Former first lady Melania Trump greets Garth Brooks during a memorial service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter. AP Jimmy Carter’s participation has been a day-to-day decision due to his fragile health. Brynn Anderson/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Amy Carter, daughter of former US president Jimmy Carter, speaks during the tribute. POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Former presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump were invited but did not attend.
None of the high-profile political aides are expected to speak at the ceremony, which featured classical music and beloved hymns, as well as readings of some of Rosalynn Carter’s favorite Bible passages.
The service also featured country music legends Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, friends of the Carters through their work with Habitat for Humanity.
Former US President Jimmy Carter looks on. REUTERS Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood perform “Imagine” during the service. POOL/AFP via Getty Images
In their comments, Carter’s children recounted Rosalynn’s enormous influence during her husband’s administration.
“Mom had so many questions that she finally said I should go to the cabinet meetings,” Chip remembers.
“I will always love my mother,” he said. “I will appreciate how she and dad raised her children. [and gave] “We are a great example.”
Amy Lynn Carter cried as she read a letter the former president sent to her mother while he was in the Navy.
“My dear, every time I have been away from you, I have been thrilled when I came back and discovered how wonderful you are,” he read.
“While I was away, I tried to convince myself that you really aren’t, can’t, be as sweet and beautiful as I remember. But when I see you, I fall in love with you again. Does it seem strange to you? I do not care. Goodbye darling, see you tomorrow.”
As Rosalynn’s casket, adorned with sunflowers, headed to the service, the Carter Center published a poem the former president wrote to his wife in 1995.
Jason Carter, grandson of former first lady Rosalynn Carter. AP Errol Carter Kelly, granddaughter. AP
“I would shine as his diminished voice would clear my confused thoughts, like lightning flashing in a gloomy sky.” it reads.
“The nothingness in my soul with her distant turned into foolishness when she came to be with me.”
Meanwhile, across the street from the church, anti-Israel protesters were seen and heard shouting “Free Palestine” and “Biden, we accuse you of genocide.”
Rosalynn Carter’s funeral will be held Wednesday in Plains with an invitation-only service at Maranatha Baptist Church, where the Carters have been members since returning to Georgia after his presidency in 1981.
She will then be buried after a private graveside service on land the couple will share, visible from the front porch of the house they built before Jimmy Carter’s first political campaign in 1962.
With mail cables. Steven Nelson contributed to this report.
A team of Armed Forces bearers move the casket of former first lady Rosalynn Carter after the memorial service. AP A team of Armed Forces bearers move the casket of former first lady Rosalynn Carter after the memorial service. AP programs are placed on pews before a memorial service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter. fake images
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