Jimmy Carter to Receive State Funeral Tribute on January 9

Former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100 on Sunday, will be honored with a state funeral on January 9 at Washington National Cathedral, as announced by The Carter Center. Following the funeral, a private burial will take place in Plains, Georgia, where he resided until his death.

Carter, the 39th president and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was revered for both his political career and his extensive philanthropic efforts. President Joe Biden has declared January 9 a national day of mourning, during which flags will be flown at half-staff across all government buildings for 30 days.

In a statement, Biden encouraged younger generations to emulate Carter’s life of principle and service. He revealed that Carter had requested he deliver the eulogy, reflecting their long-standing friendship, which began in 1976 when Biden endorsed Carter’s presidential campaign.

The state funeral, typically spanning seven to ten days, will be held at the same venue that hosted the funerals of other former presidents, including Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush. Public observances are also being planned in Atlanta and Washington, D.C.

Carter will be interred next to his wife, Rosalynn, who passed away last year. The former president had been living in hospice care since February 2023 but surprised many by reaching his centenary on October 1.

His family expressed deep admiration, with his son Chip calling him a “hero” for his advocacy of peace and human rights. Jason Carter noted the special bond that his grandfather held with people worldwide, united by common values. The small town of Plains, with a population of just 638, holds Carter’s legacy in high esteem.

Carter’s political career began locally and expanded to national prominence as he became the first Georgian to ascend to the presidency after defeating Gerald Ford in 1976. Despite the challenges he faced, including the Iranian hostage crisis and a global oil shortage, he implemented significant policies, including environmental protections and the establishment of the Department of Education.

His negotiations at the Camp David Accords fostered peace between Israel and Egypt, a feat that later earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his lifelong commitment to human rights. Post-presidency, Carter founded The Carter Center, a nonprofit dedicated to democracy and disease eradication, notably decreasing cases of Guinea worm disease from millions to just a handful today.

Throughout his later years, Carter remained dedicated to humanitarian efforts, collaborating with Habitat for Humanity and continuing to be an active member of his local church. His advocacy for equality led to a break with the Southern Baptist Convention over issues of gender discrimination. Jason Carter noted that he looked forward to supporting Kamala Harris in the upcoming 2024 presidential election.

Carter is survived by four children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren, leaving behind an enduring legacy of service and compassion.