Warmly wrapped in the wheelchair by the love memory of his late wife, former president Jimmy Carter arrived at Rosalynn Carter’s funeral service.
The sick 99-year-old, who has been receiving hospice care since February 2023, paid a poignant farewell to the love of his life on November 19, 2023, the day she passed away at the age of 96.
Discover how the devoted man honoured his late wife by reading on.
At Atlanta’s Glenn Memorial Church on Tuesday, November 28, first ladies and presidents from the past and present convened to honour the life of Rosalynn Carter, who will always be remembered for her unwavering commitment to her husband, Jimmy Carter, and the nation.
Former first ladies Melania Trump, Michelle Obama, and Laura Bush were present, along with former president Bill Clinton, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, and president Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden. In order to show her respects, Vice President Kamala Harris was also present.
LAmid a chamber brimming with influential political figures from throughout the nation, attention was drawn to the entrance as the erstwhile president arrived in his wheelchair, guided by a member of the Secret Service.
This was Carter’s first public appearance since September, when he and Rosalynn attended their hometown’s annual Plains Peanut Festival just before Carter turned 99 years old. The devoted pair was spotted in the rear of an SUV being driven by a Secret Service agent. Rosalynn held her husband’s hand with one hand while waving to the onlookers.
BREAKING: Former Pres. Jimmy Carter arrives at Glenn Memorial Church at Emory University to attend the tribute service for his late wife and former first lady, Rosalynn Carter. https://t.co/JBwV48zM8I pic.twitter.com/CV9OGkJQ58
— ABC News (@ABC) November 28, 2023
When his 77-year-old wife passed away, Carter was by her side.
Carter said in a statement shortly after Rosalynn passed away, “Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished.” When I needed it, she offered me sage advice and support. Rosalynn’s presence in the world ensured that I always had love and support from someone.
Carter, dressed in a black suit and white shirt, leaned back in his wheelchair and said goodbye. A white blanket covered his erect legs, adorned with a picture of him and his late wife. In addition, the blanket honours Plains, Georgia, a small town where Jimmy first met Rosalynn just days after her birth and where the couple continued to reside following their tenure in the White House (1977–1981).
The throw also includes images of dogwood flowers, a native plant of Georgia, and the text “est. 1885,” according to People. Other drawings that surrounded the blanket’s border seemed to show different aspects of Plains life.
After a decade of receiving home hospice care, Carter joined his family in the front pew, holding the hands of Chip and Amy, two young children who were holding their brothers Jeff and Jack tightly with their other hands.
“My mother was the glue that held our family together through the ups and downs and thicks and thins of our family’s politics,” Chip remarked in tribute to his mother.
Sister Amy continued, “My mom spent most of her life in love with my dad,” alluding to the unwavering love her parents shared. One of the most important aspects of her life was their relationship and love tale.
Amy then sobbed as she read a love letter her father had written to her mother 75 years earlier while he was in the Navy. With a “goodbye darling,” the letter ends. Jimmy, until tomorrow.
Journalist Judy Woodruff was also present to bid Rosalynn farewell. She told Associated Press that she “does not believe there would have been a President Carter without Rosalynn Carter,” recalling her dynamic efforts as the first lady.
At the Rosalynn Carter Health and Human Sciences Complex at Georgia Southwestern State University, a wreath was laid on Monday to kick off the memorial services for Rosalynn.
The Carters’ hometown of Plains will host a memorial service for family and friends at Maranatha Baptist Church on November 28.
