The extended farewell for Jimmy Carter began on Saturday, marking the start of a six-day state funeral to honor the 39th U.S. president.
From his humble beginnings in Plains, Georgia, Carter’s remarkable journey took him from the fields of the Depression-era South to the Oval Office and beyond, as he became a beacon of global humanitarianism.
Carter’s casket, draped in the U.S. flag, traveled through key landmarks, starting with his hometown of Plains.
The motorcade visited the farm where Carter grew up alongside Black sharecroppers, reflecting the rural roots that shaped his worldview.
The procession then moved to the Georgia Capitol and finally to the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta, which houses his post-presidential advocacy efforts.
Family members, including his son Chip Carter and grandson Jason Carter, paid heartfelt tributes, underscoring Carter’s dedication to service and his loving partnership with his wife, Rosalynn.
From humble Plains to global recognition, Carter’s journey reflected a life of service.
Chip recalled a devoted father who invested time in his family, while Jason celebrated his grandfather’s life’s work, inspiring future generations.
Pallbearers included Secret Service agents and military personnel, honoring the only U.S. Naval Academy graduate to serve as president.
Hymns played as Carter’s pastor reflected on the man who spent his final months in hospice care, wrapped in the words of Psalm 23.
Carter’s legacy includes groundbreaking human rights, racial equality, and public health efforts.
His early years shaped his progressive policies, and his post-presidential work set a new standard for former leaders. Tributes from Plains residents and dignitaries reflected his impact on American politics and global affairs.
The national rites will culminate in Washington, D.C., before Carter’s burial beside his beloved Rosalynn in Plains. His journey serves as a poignant reminder of a life dedicated to uplifting others and making the world a better place.
