A Grand Farewell at Washington National Cathedral

The state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter took place at the Washington National Cathedral, drawing a significant gathering that included every living former president and numerous dignitaries from around the globe. The ceremony was a poignant reminder of Carter’s profound impact on the nation and the world during his lifetime.

Notable Absences Amidst the Attendees

While the funeral was marked by the presence of many influential figures, some notable VIPs were absent from the service. Former Vice President Dick Cheney, aged 83, was not present at the National Cathedral. Cheney, who has faced health challenges, was the only living vice president absent as all others – Al Gore, Joe Biden, Mike Pence, and Dan Quayle – attended to pay their respects.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama was also conspicuously missing from the gathering. Contrary to expectations, she did not sit beside her husband, former President Barack Obama. A spokesperson for Michelle Obama later conveyed her sentiments, stating, “Mrs. Obama sends her thoughts and prayers to the Carter family and everyone who loved and learned from the remarkable former President,” as reported by Politico. It was made clear that a scheduling conflict had prevented her from attending, with Michelle reportedly in Hawaii at the time.

Political Figures Unite to Honor Carter

Despite the absence of some prominent figures, many other political luminaries were present. Former First Lady Hillary Clinton joined her husband, former President Bill Clinton, in attendance. Also spotted were former First Ladies Laura Bush and Melania Trump, who sat beside their husbands. Former Second Lady Karen Pence was positioned next to her husband, while First Lady Jill Biden sat alongside President Biden.

This solemn gathering marked a significant reunion of the so-called “presidents’ club,” as all five living men who have held the office – President Biden and former Presidents Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and President-elect Trump – came together for the first time since the funeral of former President George H.W. Bush in 2018.

Dignitaries from Across the Globe Stand in Solidarity

Other notable attendees included Vice President-elect JD Vance, Pennsylvania GOP Senator Dave McCormick, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. First son Hunter Biden and Ted Mondale, son of the late Vice President Walter Mondale, also represented their families at the service.

A Final Journey Back to Georgia

Following the funeral proceedings, Carter’s remains were to be transported back to Georgia via the U.S. Air Force aboard Special Air Mission 39. There, a private ceremony will be held in his hometown of Plains, allowing family and close friends to pay their final respects.

Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, passed away on December 29, 2023, at the age of 100. His last years were spent in hospice care, yet he left behind a legacy defined by public service, diplomacy, and humanitarian efforts.