All 5 US Presidents Attend Jimmy Carter’s Funeral at National Cathedral

Jan. 9, 2025, 7:31 am ET

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  • All five living U.S. presidents—Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush—are expected to attend the State Funeral for Jimmy Carter.
  • The funeral will be held at Washington National Cathedral on January 9, 2025, at 10 am EST.
  • Due to security and crowd concerns, the service is not open to the general public but will be livestreamed.

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Essential Context

Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100. His State Funeral, a significant national event, will celebrate his life of public service and humanitarian work.

Core Players

  • Jimmy Carter – 39th President of the United States and Nobel Peace Prize recipient.
  • Joe Biden – Current President of the United States, expected to deliver a eulogy.
  • Donald Trump – Former President of the United States.
  • Barack Obama – Former President of the United States.
  • Bill Clinton – Former President of the United States.
  • George W. Bush – Former President of the United States.
  • Washington National Cathedral – Venue for the State Funeral.

Key Numbers

  • 100 – Jimmy Carter’s age at the time of his death.
  • 1977-1981 – Years Carter served as President.
  • 2002 – Year Carter received the Nobel Peace Prize.
  • 10 am EST – Time of the State Funeral on January 9, 2025.

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The Catalyst

Jimmmy Carter’s death on December 29, 2024, prompted a national outpouring of respect and tributes. His State Funeral is a culmination of these tributes, honoring his extensive contributions to public service and humanitarian efforts.

“President Carter exemplified a life of public service rooted in personal faith,” said the Very Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith, dean of Washington National Cathedral.

Inside Forces

The funeral service will include eulogies from President Biden, as well as posthumous eulogies from Carter’s predecessor, President Gerald Ford, and his vice president, Walter Mondale, which will be read by their sons.

The service will be livestreamed and carried by all major television networks due to the large number of expected guests and dignitaries, and for security reasons, it is not open to the general public.

Power Dynamics

The attendance of all five living presidents underscores the bipartisan respect for Carter’s legacy. This gathering marks a rare moment of unity among current and former leaders.

Carter’s impact extends beyond his presidency, particularly through his post-presidential work with the Carter Center, which has been instrumental in promoting human rights and peaceful conflict resolution.

Outside Impact

The funeral service is part of a broader national mourning period. The public has been paying respects to Carter as he lay in state at the Capitol Rotunda before being moved to the National Cathedral for the funeral.

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and other dignitaries, including members of the military and Congressional leaders, have also paid their respects.

Future Forces

Following the funeral, Carter’s family will board Special Air Mission 39 for his final journey home to Georgia. This marks the end of a period of national mourning but also continues to highlight Carter’s enduring legacy.

The Carter family and the Carter Center will continue his humanitarian work, ensuring his impact is felt for generations to come.

Data Points

  • October 1, 1924 – Jimmy Carter’s birthdate.
  • December 29, 2024 – Date of Jimmy Carter’s death.
  • January 9, 2025 – Date of the State Funeral.
  • 1971-1975 – Years Carter served as the 76th governor of Georgia.
  • 1946 – Year Carter married Rosalynn Smith.

The convergence of current and former leaders to honor Jimmy Carter reflects the nation’s deep respect for his contributions. As the country moves forward, Carter’s legacy in public service and humanitarian work will continue to inspire future generations.