Jimmy Carter expected to lie in state in Capitol Rotunda ahead of Jan. 9 funeral
Former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100, is set to be honored with a lying in state ceremony at the Capitol Rotunda in January, according to sources at Fox News. President Biden announced that Carter’s funeral will take place at the Washington National Cathedral on January 9, which has been designated as a National Day of Mourning.
President Biden called on the American people to gather in their places of worship on that day to pay tribute to the memory of President Carter. He also extended the invitation to people around the world to join in the solemn observance. Additionally, Biden ordered all American flags to be flown at half-staff for the next 30 days in honor of the late president.
The New York Times reported that Carter will lie in state at both the Georgia State Capitol and the U.S. Capitol before his state funeral in Washington, D.C. This rare honor has only been bestowed upon twelve U.S. presidents in history, starting with Abraham Lincoln and most recently with George H.W. Bush in 2018.
Multiple memorial events are expected to be held in Atlanta, Georgia, and Washington, D.C. to commemorate Carter’s life. The Carter Center stated that the final arrangements for the state funeral are still pending, including details of public events and motorcade routes.
Following the funeral in Washington, Carter will be privately interred in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. He had been battling health issues for several years, including cancer that had spread to his liver and brain. Carter entered hospice care in February 2023, outliving his wife Rosalynn Carter, who passed away in November 2023 at the age of 96.
President-elect Trump expressed his condolences, acknowledging Carter’s contributions to the nation during a critical period. In a statement, Trump praised Carter’s efforts to improve the lives of all Americans, recognizing the challenges he faced as president.
Chip Carter, the late president’s son, called his father a hero and emphasized his commitment to peace, human rights, and love. He thanked the public for honoring Carter’s memory by continuing to uphold these shared beliefs.
As plans for the funeral and ceremonies unfold, more information is expected to be released in the coming days. The world will remember and celebrate the life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter, a leader who dedicated himself to serving the American people and promoting unity and compassion.
