Jimmy Carter pays touching tribute to late wife Rosalynn at memorial service: Live updates

Former President Jimmy Carter joined other former presidents, first ladies and notable lawmakers in honouring his late wife Rosalynn Carter at a tribute service on Tuesday in Atlanta.

Carter, a renowned mental health advocate, died on November 19 at the age of 96.

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden sat in the front row of the Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at Emory University alongside former President Bill Clinton and former First Ladies Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama, Laura Bush and Melania Trump.

The invitation-only tribute service featured Carter’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The funeral services honouring Carter began on Monday with a motorcade procession carrying her to the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library. There, she lay in repose with hundreds of people paying their respects.

After the tribute service, the former first lady’s coffin will be transported to the church service, where country music legends Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood will perform.

This will be followed by a private funeral service for friends and family on Wednesday.

Key points

• Jimmy Carter makes appearance at tribute service

• Rosalynn Carter will be honoured by former first ladies and Biden at tribute service

• Who is expected to attend Rosalynn Carter’s memorial service?

• In Pics: Rosalynn Carter’s tribute service

• US presidents and first ladies arrive for Rosalynn Carter's tribute service

Rosalynn Carter’s grandchildren serve as honorary pallbearers

Tuesday 28 November 2023 23:00 , Ariana Baio

Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks sing ‘Imagine'

Tuesday 28 November 2023 22:00 , Ariana Baio

Country music legends Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks sang John Lennon’s song Imagine at former first lady Rosalynn Carter’s tribute ceremony on Tuesday afternoon.

The two musicians, who were close friends of the Carters, performed an acoustic version in Carter’s honour.

Secret Service ‘made sure Rosalynn Carter got home safe’

Tuesday 28 November 2023 21:30 , Ariana Baio

Pastor Tony Lowden, the family pastor of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, made sure to thank Secret Service members who spent 46 protecting the former first lady for getting her home safe.

“For 46 years they made sure she got home safe,” Pastor Lowden said during the tribute service on Tuesday afternoon.

“I want to tell each and every one of them, she would tell you, ‘Thank you. You got me home safe.’” He added.

Watch: Amy Carter, daughter of former president and first lady, reads a love letter from Jimmy to Rosalynn

Tuesday 28 November 2023 21:00 , Ariana Baio

Journalist Judy Woodruff deliver eulogy of Rosalynn Carter

Tuesday 28 November 2023 20:45 , Ariana Baio

Judy Woodruff, a journalist and producer who notably worked for PBS NewsHour, delivered the eulogy of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter during her tribute service on Tuesday.

During her speech, Ms Woodruff recalled her last interview with the Carters – where they complimented the current administration under President Joe Biden.

Amy Carter shares Jimmy Carter’s words about Rosalynn

Tuesday 28 November 2023 20:30 , Amber Jamieson1

Amy Carter, the only daughter of former President Jimmy and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, shared words that Mr Carter wrote about his late wife.

“My mom spent most of her life in love with my dad,” Ms Carter said teary-eyed. “Their partnership and love story was a defining feature of her life.”

Ms Carter said because her father was unable to speak at the tribute, she chose to read from a letter Jimmy that he wrote to Rosalynn 75 years ago.

My darling, every time I have ever been away from you, I had been thrilled when I returned to discover just how wonderful you are. While I’m away I tried to convince myself that you really are not could not be as sweet and beautiful as I remember. But when I see you I fall in love with you all over again. Does that seem strange to you? It doesn’t to me. Goodbye darling. Until tomorrow, Jimmy”

Images from tribute service

Tuesday 28 November 2023 20:16 , Graeme Massie

Rosalynn carter’s casket loaded into hearse after service

Tuesday 28 November 2023 20:01 , Graeme Massie

Her family watched from the steps of the church as members of the us military solemnly loaded the casket into the hearse.

Watch: President Carter arrives at tribute service to wife Rosalynn

Tuesday 28 November 2023 20:00 , Ariana Baio

Former presidents and first ladies leave tribute service

Tuesday 28 November 2023 19:58 , Graeme Massie

Bill Clinton could be seen tapping his heart and pointing at people in the audience.

Rosalynn Carter’s tribute service ends

Tuesday 28 November 2023 19:56 , Graeme Massie

Carter’s coffin was removed from the church as former President Jimmy Carter also left the building in his wheelchair.

Country stars perform at funeral service

Tuesday 28 November 2023 19:52 , Graeme Massie

US country singer Trisha Yearwood and husband Garth Brooks perform during a tribute service for former US First Lady Rosalynn Carter, at Glenn Memorial Church in Atlanta, Georgia.

Jason Carter welcomes first ladies and ‘their lovely husbands’

Tuesday 28 November 2023 19:45 , Ariana Baio

The grandson of former President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter delivered a funny and moving speech about his grandmother who died on November 19th.

To introduce the guests of honors, Mr Carter thanked all the former First Ladies including Melania Trump, Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama and Laura Bush as well as current First Lady Jill Biden for coming.

To throw in some humour, Mr Carter added: “Secretary Clinton and Dr Biden, we also welcome your lovely husbands."

Jimmy Carter ‘wasn’t going to miss this for anything’

Tuesday 28 November 2023 19:30 , Ariana Baio

Jason Carter, the grandson of former President Jimmy and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter told The New York Times that his grandfather was determined to attend Rosalynn’s tribute service despite his physical condition.

Mr Carter told The Times that his grandfather, who is 99, is “coming to the end” and “very, very, physically diminished.”

“But I think he was proud and happy that he was there for her till the very end, and he wasn’t going to miss this for anything,” Mr Carter added.

“He has been this moral rock for so many people, but she really was that rock for him. He’s glad he’s not going to miss it, but we’re all worried about him.”

Jimmy Carter entered the tribute service in a wheelchair with a blanket draped over his lap. He appeared pale and did not make eye contact with the current or former presidents and first ladies when he arrived.

Watch:US presidents and first ladies arrive for Rosalynn Carter's tribute service

Tuesday 28 November 2023 19:15 , Ariana Baio

Rosalynn Carter’s son delivers moving tribute

Tuesday 28 November 2023 19:01 , Ariana Baio

Rosalynn Carter’s second son, James Earl “Chip” Carter III, delivered an emotional tribute to his mother during her tribute service on Tuesday.

Paying homage to Carter’s empathetic nature, Chip described how his mother encouraged him to follow his dreams and believe in himself. He spoke thoroughly of her humanitarian efforts and desire to help others around the world.

He also spent time recalling his parent’s relationship, calling it an example to him and his siblings.

Chip described his mother as “the most beautiful woman” he had ever met who was “pretty to look at too.”

In Pics: Rosalynn Carter’s tribute service

Tuesday 28 November 2023 18:46 , Ariana Baio

Jimmy Carter makes appearance at tribute service

Tuesday 28 November 2023 18:32 , Ariana Baio

Former President Jimmy Carter made a rare public appearance at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at Emory University to honour his late wife, Rosalynn Carter.

Carter, 99, was the final guest to enter the church before Rosalynn’s casket entered. He sat in a wheelchair with a blanket draped over him at the end of the front row next to the current and former presidents and first ladies.

Rosalynn died on November 19th at 96 years old.

Georgia lawmakers attend tribute service for Rosalynn Carter

Tuesday 28 November 2023 18:30 , Ariana Baio

Georgia lawmakers were in attendance at former First Lady Rosalynn Carter’s tribute service on Tuesday.

Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock sat side-by-side several rows behind other notable attendees at the Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church on the campus of Emory University.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp also made an appearance at the tribute, sitting across the church.

Read: Rosalynn Carter’s obituary

Tuesday 28 November 2023 18:15 , Ariana Baio

The Carter Center announced the former first lady’s death on Sunday, November 19, two days after she entered hospice care at their home in Plains, Georgia. She leaves behind her husband, four children, 22 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and a legacy of mental health advocacy.

Kelly Rissman reports:

Rosalynn Carter dies aged 96, days after entering hospice care

CEO of Glaad remembers Rosalynn Carter

Tuesday 28 November 2023 18:00 , Ariana Baio

Sarah Kate Ellis, the President and CEO of Glaad tweeted on Tuesday remembering Rosalynn Carter’s work in the LGBT+ community.

“Rosalynn Carter was a humanitarian through and through. She will be remembered for her active role in pushing for the Equal Rights Amendment and including the LGBTQ community in her advocacy work for mental health and caregivers. Two causes close to her heart. ,” Ms Ellis wrote.

The remarks come just ahead of the tribute service for Carter.

Protesters hold demonstration outside of Rosalynn Carter funeral

Tuesday 28 November 2023 17:45 , Ariana Baio

Tribute service will feature music from Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood

Tuesday 28 November 2023 17:35 , Ariana Baio

The tribute service for Rosalynn Carter will feature some of Carter’s favourite music and arrangements from some of her favourite musicians.

This includes medleys from pianist David Osborne, arrangments of Unforgettable and Moonlight Serenade by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and music from country music legends Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood.

Jimmy Carter travelling to memorial service with doctor

Tuesday 28 November 2023 17:14 , Ariana Baio

Former President Jimmy Carter is travelling from his home in Plains, Georgia to Atlanta to attend the memorial service of his late wife, Rosalynn Carter today.

Sources told ABC News that Mr Carter will be travelling in a limo with his doctor.

Mr Carter entered hospice care earlier this year.

Current and former president arrive at tribute service

Tuesday 28 November 2023 17:02 , Ariana Baio

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden as well as former president Bill Clinton and former First Ladies Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama arrived at the Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at Emory University.

The group arrived in Atlanta after flying from Washington DC aboard Air Force One

Watch: Tribute service for Rosalynn Carter live

Tuesday 28 November 2023 17:00 , Ariana Baio

Live: Tribute service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter

Habitat for Humanity CEO leave hardhat in honour of Rosalynn Carter

Tuesday 28 November 2023 16:45 , Ariana Baio

At the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, the CEO of Habitat for Humanity left behind a tribute to Rosalynn Carter, who spent one week per year volunteering with the nonprofit.

A blue hardhat with a message written and signed by Jonathan Reckford was left at the site of Carter’s lying in repose.

“Thank you for blessing the world with your compassion and commitment to service,” Mr Reckford wrote on the hardhat.

A butterfly sticker, signifying Carter’s love for butterflies and their conservation, was placed next to Mr Reckford’s message.

Who will be speaking at Rosalynn Carter’s memorial service?

Tuesday 28 November 2023 16:30 , Ariana Baio

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter’s memorial service is expected to take place on Tuesday afternoon with the current and former presidents and first ladies in attendance.

However, none of the recognisable figures will likely be speaking at her funeral, according to The Carter Center.

Instead, her daughter, Amy Carter, and grandson, Jason Carter, will deliver readings and tributes.

Some of Carter’s other great-grandchildren will present readings while her surviving grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.

Rosalynn’s longtime aide and friend Kathryn Cade as well as journalist Judy Woodruff are also expected to give remarks.

The memorial service will also include music and arrangements from the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, David Osborne, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood. It included some of Rosalynn and Mr Carter’s favourite songs.

Who are Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter’s children?

Tuesday 28 November 2023 16:00 , Ariana Baio

A memorial service is being held on Tuesday for former First Lady Rosalynn Carter after she died on 19 November at the age of 96.

The service will take place at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at Emory University of Atlanta.

In attendance will be her husband, former president Jimmy Carter, 99, who has been receiving hospice care over the past few months, and a procession of former presidents and first ladies, such as Bill and Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush, Michelle Obama and Melania Trump.

Amelia Neath reports:

Everything we know about Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter’s children

Watch: US president and First Lady leave Washington for Rosalynn Carter service.mp4

Tuesday 28 November 2023 15:45 , Ariana Baio

Caroline Kennedy honour Rosalynn Carter

Tuesday 28 November 2023 15:30 , Ariana Baio

Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of the late John F Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, shared a tribute to Rosalynn Carter in a statement provided by the JFK Library.

”Today we honor the extraordinary life of Rosalynn Carter, whose pioneering public service brought hope and comfort to millions of people around the world,” Ms Kennedy said.

“She selflessly gave her time, her intellect, and her heart to the institutions of public life, and she was a lifelong champion of those whose voices often go unheard. Her legacy is an inspiration to all of us who hope to leave the world a better place.”

Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter were ‘still holding hands’ at the end

Tuesday 28 November 2023 15:00 , Ariana Baio

The grandson of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter previously told news outlets that even at the end of their lives, the two were still together and holding hands.

“They are still here, they are still holding hands and still very much together,” Josh Carter told People magazine in August.

Carter and her husband were married for 77 years.

Toward the end of her life, Carter was diagnosed with dementia. But even then, she was able to recognise her husband.

Josh Carter told People Carter was aware of Mr Carter and her other family members at the time but that it was probably “hard” for Mr Carter to see his wife lose access to older memories.

“I think the beautiful thing is that they are still together,” Josh said.

Watch live: Biden departs for Georgia to attend Rosalynn Carter tribute event

Tuesday 28 November 2023 14:38 , Ariana Baio

Watch Joe Biden depart to attend the memorial service of Rosalynn Carter here.

Who are Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter’s children?

Tuesday 28 November 2023 14:30 , Ariana Baio

Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter had four children together throughout their 77 years of marriage.

The oldest child, John William “Jack” Carter was born on July 3, 1947.

He was raised in Plains, Georgia and worked on the family’s peanut farm before attending the Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University and Georgia Southwestern University. Like his father, he joined the Navy.

Their second child is James Earl “Chip” Carter III who was born on April 12, 1950. He was born in Hawaii while Mr Carter was stationed there during his Navy service. He worked in his family’s peanut warehouse before being elected to the Plains city council.

The Carter’s third child is Donel Jeffrey “Jeff” Carter, born on August 18, 1952. He attended Georgia Southwestern University and then George Washington University.

The fourth child, and only daughter, is Amy Lynn Carter who was born on October 18, 1967. She is the only Carter child to have spent her childhood in the White House.

Georgians line the highways paying respects to Rosalynn Carter

Tuesday 28 November 2023 14:00 , Ariana Baio

As the motorcade carrying former First Lady Rosalynn Carter’s casket made its way down the highway on Monday, Georgians stood outside to pay their respects to Carter who died on November 19.

In photos, posted by the Carter Center on X, groups of children could be seen standing on the side of the road with their class waving or holding their hands close to their hearts.

Groups of other Georgians held an American Flag, waving as the hearse made its way to the Glenn Memorial Church at Emory University.

A local garden club was part of the people watching the first lady depart for Atlanta, for the last time.

Carter family and Carter Center staff pay respects

Tuesday 28 November 2023 13:30 , Ariana Baio

Members of the Carter family and staff from The Carter Center and the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum gathered to pay their respects to the late Rosalynn Carter on Monday.

In a photo, posted to X, The Carter Center showed how some of the people closest to Carter remembered her life.

Monday was the first day in a series of memorials “commemorating [Carter’s] life of service”.

WATCH: Schedule for Rosalynn Carter tributes

Tuesday 28 November 2023 13:10 , Rachel Sharp

Rosalynn Carter tributes will highlight her reach as first lady, humanitarian and small-town Baptist

Tuesday 28 November 2023 12:50 , Rachel Sharp

Rosalynn Carter made her final journey to the Jimmy Carter Presidential Center on Monday as her family began three days of memorials for the former first lady and global humanitarian who died November 19 at the age of 96.

After brief ceremonies in the Carters’ native Sumter County in south Georgia, Rosalynn Carter’s remains will travel by motorcade to Atlanta, where she will lie in repose at The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum.

The library was open from 6 to 10pm., offering the most direct opportunity for the public to pay their respects during the three-day tribute. Two funerals, set for Tuesday in Atlanta and Wednesday in the Carters’ tiny hometown of Plains, are for invited guests.

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden, longtime friends of the Carters, lead the dignitaries expected to attend the Atlanta service. Motorcade routes will be open throughout the schedule. Rosalynn Carter’s burial Wednesday in Plains is private.

Read on...

Rosalynn Carter tributes will highlight her reach as first lady, humanitarian and small-town Baptist

Rosalynn Carter memorial services: The schedule

Tuesday 28 November 2023 12:30 , Rachel Sharp

Monday – Funeral services began with a motorcade procession carrying Rosalynn Carter’s coffin to the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library.

There, she lay in repose with hundreds of members of the public visiting to pay their respects.

Tuesday – A motorcade will transport the former first lady’s coffin to Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at Emory University in Atlanta on Tuesday morning.

At the church service, country music legends Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood are expected to perform.

Former president Jimmy Carter, President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, former president Bill Clinton and former first ladies Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush, Michelle Obama and Melania Trump are all expected to attend.

Wednesday – A private funeral service will be held for friends and family at the Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains.

IN PICTURES: Rosalynn Carter’s family takes part in wreath laying ceremony

Tuesday 28 November 2023 12:10 , Rachel Sharp

Why are flags being flown at half-staff for Rosalynn Carter?

Tuesday 28 November 2023 11:50 , Rachel Sharp

Following the death of the former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, who passed away at the age of 96 on 19 November, the White House has been taking measures to pay homage to her.

President Joe Biden signed a proclamation that ordered all US flags to be lowered down to half-staff from 25 November “as a mark of respect for the memory” of Ms Carter.

The proclamation said all US flags will be flown at half-staff, meaning the flag will be dropped down to somewhere around the middle of the pole.

US flags on the White House, all public buildings and grounds, naval stations, military posts, and naval vessels throughout the country and its territories will fly at half-staff from 25 November until 29 November at sunset, when Ms Carter is due to be laid to rest.

Mr Biden followed in the proclamation that this also applies to all US embassies, legations, consular offices and all other facilities abroad.

Find out more here:

Why are flags being flown at half-staff for Rosalynn Carter?

Who is expected to attend Rosalynn Carter’s memorial service?

Tuesday 28 November 2023 11:30 , Rachel Sharp

Presidents and first ladies will travel to Atlanta to attend the memorial service for Rosalynn Carter on Tuesday. Here’s who we’re expecting to attend:

- Jimmy Carter

- President Joe Biden

- First Lady Jill Biden

- Former president Bill Clinton

- Former first lady Hillary Clinton

- Former first lady Laura Bush

- Former first lady Michelle Obama

- Former first lady Melania Trump

- Vice President Kamala Harris

- Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff

Jimmy Carter expected to attend tribute service for wife, says grandson

Tuesday 28 November 2023 11:10 , Rachel Sharp

Former president Jimmy Carter is expected to attend the tribute service for his wife Rosalynn Carter on Tuesday.

Jason Carter, the grandson of the former president and former first lady, told CNN that his grandfather is planning to travel to Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church on Emory University’ campus in Atlanta for the service.

His attendance comes despite Mr Carter being 99 and having spent the past several months in hospice care.

Rosalynn Carter will be honoured by these former first ladies at her funeral

Tuesday 28 November 2023 10:50 , Rachel Sharp

Former first lady Rosalynn Carter, who died on 19 November at the age of 96, will be remembered over three days this week in a series of memorial services.

The funeral services will start across Georgia, from Atlanta to her hometown of Plains, where she will be laid to rest.

Carter died shortly after she entered hospice care at home in Plains, alongside her husband, a Democrat who gave his wife a prominent voice during his presidency from 1977 to 1981.

A repose service will be held on Monday, giving members of the public a chance to view the casket and pay their respects.

On Tuesday, a tribute church service will be held for invited guests. On Wednesday, for the final event, Carter’s funeral will be held at the Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains before an internment at the family residence.

Here are all the first ladies expected to attend Carter’s funeral:

Rosalynn Carter will be honoured by these former first ladies at her funeral

WATCH: Former first lady Rosalynn Carter’s coffin arrives at Atlanta’s Jimmy Carter library

Tuesday 28 November 2023 10:30 , Rachel Sharp

Rosalynn Carter to be honoured in memorial service today

Tuesday 28 November 2023 10:10 , Rachel Sharp

Former first lady and renowned mental health advocateRosalynn Carter will be honoured in a tribute service today.

Carter died on 19 November at the age of 96, just two days after entering hospice care.

On Tuesday, a private tribute service will take place at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at Emory University in Atlanta.

Former president Jimmy Carter, who is 99 and has been in hospice care for months, is expected to attend.

He will be joined by President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, former president Bill Clinton and former first ladies Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush, Michelle Obama and Melania Trump.

Welcome to The Independent’s live blog

Tuesday 28 November 2023 09:52 , Rachel Sharp

Follow updates here on the memorial services for former first lady Rosalynn Carter