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- Former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral services have begun in Washington, D.C., with a lying-in-state ceremony at the U.S. Capitol.
- Carter, who passed away on Dec. 29 at 100, will be honored by members of Congress, the Supreme Court, and other dignitaries.
- Vice President Kamala Harris will deliver one of the eulogies during the ceremony.
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Essential Context
The funeral services for former President Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, have transitioned to Washington, D.C. after initial ceremonies in Georgia. Carter’s remains will lie in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda from Tuesday, Jan. 7, through Thursday morning.
Core Players
- Jimmy Carter – The 39th President of the United States
- Vice President Kamala Harris – Delivering a eulogy during the ceremony
- Members of Congress – Paying respects during the lying-in-state ceremony
- The Supreme Court – Attending the funeral services
- The Carter Family – Involved in various aspects of the funeral services
Key Numbers
- 100 – Jimmy Carter’s age at the time of his death
- 39 – The number of the U.S. presidency held by Jimmy Carter
- Dec. 29 – The date of Jimmy Carter’s passing
- Jan. 7-9 – Dates for the lying-in-state ceremony and subsequent funeral services in D.C.
- 6 p.m.-midnight – Public visitation hours at the U.S. Capitol
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The Catalyst
The funeral services for Jimmy Carter began on Jan. 4 in Georgia and have now moved to Washington, D.C., marking a significant tribute to the former president’s life and legacy.
Carter’s remains departed from the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta at approximately 11:30 a.m. ET on Tuesday, Jan. 7, and were escorted to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.
Inside Forces
The ceremony includes a military honor cordon, a procession with a horse-drawn caisson, and the participation of The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” and other military elements. Members of the Carter family will also be part of the procession to the U.S. Capitol.
The lying-in-state ceremony at the U.S. Capitol involves the Senate and House Sergeants at Arms leading the body bearer team to place the casket on the Lincoln Catafalque.
Power Dynamics
The attendance of high-ranking officials, including members of Congress and the Supreme Court, underscores the respect and honor accorded to former President Carter. Vice President Kamala Harris’ eulogy highlights the significance of this event.
The involvement of democratic and republican members of Capitol Hill and White House staff from Carter’s administration in paying their respects adds to the bipartisan nature of the tribute.
Outside Impact
The public is invited to pay their respects at the U.S. Capitol from 6 p.m. to midnight, allowing a broad segment of the public to honor Carter’s legacy.
The funeral services also include a national funeral service at the Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 9, which will be followed by Carter’s burial in Plains, Georgia.
Future Forces
Following the lying-in-state ceremony, Carter’s remains will be removed from the Capitol on Jan. 9 and transported to the Washington National Cathedral for the national funeral service.
After the service, Carter will be taken to Joint Base Andrews and then to Lawson Army Airfield in Georgia, from where he will be transported to Plains, Georgia, for his final burial.
Data Points
- Jan. 4, 2025: Funeral services began in Georgia
- Jan. 7, 2025: Carter’s remains arrived in Washington, D.C.
- Jan. 7-9, 2025: Lying-in-state ceremony at the U.S. Capitol
- Jan. 9, 2025: National funeral service at the Washington National Cathedral
- Jan. 9, 2025: Burial in Plains, Georgia
As the nation gathers to honor Jimmy Carter, the ceremonies reflect both the respect for his public service and the legacy he left in international diplomacy, human rights, and domestic policy.
