Jimmy Carter's State Funeral Plans: A Tribute to the 39th President of the United States

• Former President Jimmy Carter passed away at the age of 100 on December 30, 2024.
• A state funeral will be held at the Washington National Cathedral on January 9, 2025.
• President Joe Biden will deliver the eulogy, honoring Carter's significant contributions to humanity.
• The funeral services will span over a week, with ceremonies in Plains, Georgia, and Washington, D.C.
• A National Day of Mourning has been declared on January 9, with flags at half-staff for 30 days.

The state funeral for Jimmy Carter, the former U.S. president who passed away peacefully at the age of 100 in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, will take place on January 9, 2025. CNN reported that President Joe Biden has declared the same date a National Day of Mourning, emphasizing the deep respect many feel for Carter's legacy. “With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us,” Biden stated, showcasing the breadth of Carter's humanitarian endeavors.

As part of the planned funeral activities, the official six-day state memorial will commence on January 4 with a motorcade traveling from Americus to Carter's childhood home in Plains, Georgia, where the National Park Service will ring the historic farm bell 39 times, symbolizing Carter's status as the 39th President. AP News noted that the motorcade then will proceed to the Georgia State Capitol for a moment of silence followed by a service at the Carter Presidential Center.

Following the ceremonies in Georgia, Carter's remains will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda from January 7 until the funeral service at the Washington National Cathedral on January 9. The Capitol will be open for public mourning during this time. After the funeral, Carter will be laid to rest next to his wife, Rosalynn Carter, who passed away in 2023, at their home in Plains.

Biden's eulogy is expected to highlight the profound friendship he shared with Carter. The president remarked that he would focus on Carter's enduring legacy as an advocate for peace and compassion. Carter's passing has prompted reflections from world leaders and fellow former presidents, including BBC and USA Today, who praised his efforts to foster human rights and global health initiatives.