Former US President Jimmy Carter, 99, Surfaces in Rare Public Appearance to Honor Late Wife

Former US President Jimmy Carter, 99, made a rare public appearance on Tuesday to attend the memorial service for his wife, Rosalynn. The service was held at a church in Atlanta and was also attended by President Joe Biden, former President Bill Clinton, and all five living first ladies. Carter arrived at the service in a wheelchair, with a blanket embroidered with his wife’s face on his lap. Despite not speaking at the service, Carter’s children and grandchildren celebrated the life of Rosalynn Carter, who was known for her humanitarian work and advocacy for mental health.

Before the service, President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden had a special moment with President Carter. Rosalynn Carter passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, after a 77-year marriage that became legendary in US politics.

The memorial service highlighted Rosalynn Carter’s impact and the high regard in which she was held. She was celebrated for her work as a first lady, particularly for her advocacy on mental health issues. After leaving the White House, both Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter continued their charitable activities and were praised for their humble lifestyle.

During the service, Rosalynn Carter’s favorite music was played, including a performance of John Lennon’s “Imagine” by country music stars Tricia Yearwood and Garth Brooks. The service was attended by President Biden, former President Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and former first ladies Melania Trump, Michelle Obama, and Laura Bush.

The more private funeral will be held on Wednesday in Plains, Georgia, and will likely shift attention to Jimmy Carter’s health. He is the oldest living US ex-president and has been in hospice care for the past 10 months. Presidential funeral services typically bring together all living presidents, providing a moment of national unity. However, with the possibility of a Biden-Trump rematch in 2024, even a solemn occasion like Carter’s funeral may be scrutinized for signs of tension.

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter were married in 1946 and held the record for the longest-wed presidential couple. Throughout Jimmy Carter’s political career, his wife played a central role in his campaigns and worked to raise the status of the first lady’s office during their time in the White House. They met in 1945 while Jimmy Carter was on leave from the US Naval Academy.