Jimmy Carter expected to attend Rosalynn Carter tribute service

by Miranda Nazzaro - 11/28/23 8:13 AM ET

FILE – Former President Jimmy Carter, right, and his wife, the late former first lady Rosalynn Carter, hold hands at the National Cathedral, Dec. 5, 2018, in Washington. AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)

Former President Carter is expected to attend a tribute service for his late wife, Rosalynn Carter, Tuesday in Georgia.

Carter, 99, is expected to travel to Atlanta for the service at the Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at Emory University, Jason Carter told CNN and WSBTV. The Carter Center confirmed these plans to The Hill.

Several high-profile guests are also expected to attend the service, including President Biden and first lady Jill Biden, Vice President Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff, along with former first ladies Melania Trump, Michelle Obama and Laura Bush.

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Rosalynn Carter died earlier this month at the age of 96 at her home in Plains, Ga., about two days after she entered hospice care. She was diagnosed with dementia in March, shortly after her husband entered hospice care following a series of hospital stays.

The Carters were married for 77 years, the longest of any president and first lady.

Former President Carter’s appearance at the tribute service will mark his first public appearance since September, when he and Rosalynn attended the Plains Peanut Festival parade.

He did not appear publicly during Monday’s public motorcade and wreath-laying ceremony at Rosalynn Carter’s alma mater, Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus, according to The Associated Press.

While Tuesday’s tribute service is invitation-only, the public can tune in to listen to tributes and participate virtually in the service. The event is slated to begin at 1 p.m. and will feature multiple musical performances along with tributes from friends and family.

A funeral service for family and invited friends will take place Wednesday in Plains, before her casket is taken to the Carter family residence for a private interment, the Carter Center said.

The organization said the public is welcome to line the motorcade route in designated viewing areas as it proceeds from the church.

The former first lady was a known advocate for several humanitarian issues, including mental health care, caregiving and women’s rights.

Updated at 9:40 a.m.