Jimmy Carter lived a life that felt like it spanned three different centuries, even if the math doesn't quite work out that way. He was the peanut farmer who somehow willed himself into the Oval Office, the peacemaker who actually got people to sign papers in the Rose Garden, and the guy who spent his "retirement" hammering nails into houses for people he didn't know. Now that we are saying goodbye, figuring out how to watch Jimmy Carter funeral events isn't just about finding a link; it’s about navigating a week of tributes that reflect a man who was deeply complicated and incredibly simple all at once.
It’s heavy.
Planning a presidential funeral is basically a massive logistical puzzle involving the Secret Service, the military, and local law enforcement in small-town Georgia. Because Carter lived to be 100, these plans—codenamed "Operation Statehood"—were polished and repolished for years. If you’re trying to catch the broadcast, you’re looking at a multi-day affair that moves from the quiet streets of Plains to the gold-domed Georgia State Capitol and eventually to the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta.
Where to find the live stream and broadcast
Most people are going to watch this on their phones or laptops. That’s just the reality now. If you want the most stable, uninterrupted feed, the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum website is your best bet. They usually partner with the National Archives to host a clean, commercial-free stream of the lying-in-state and the memorial services.
Network television isn't going to miss this, either. ABC, CBS, and NBC will definitely break into regular programming for the main funeral service at Maranatha Baptist Church. CNN and MSNBC typically run wall-to-wall coverage, which is great if you want the historical context, but kinda annoying if you just want to sit with the moment without a pundit talking over the hymns.
Public broadcasting is the secret weapon here. PBS NewsHour is known for doing these state funerals with a level of dignity that feels right for a guy like Carter. No flashy graphics. No "breaking news" banners every five seconds. Just the casket, the honor guard, and the eulogies. You can find their stream on YouTube, which is honestly the easiest way to watch on a smart TV without digging for a cable login.
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Key locations for the services
The geography of this funeral tells the story of the man. It starts in Plains, Georgia.
Plains is a tiny place. Less than 800 people live there. But the funeral motorcade will wind through those streets because that’s where Carter started. Following that, there is a lying-in-state period at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta. This is where the public gets to say their piece. If you’re watching the feed during this time, it’s mostly going to be a somber, steady stream of people walking past the casket.
Then you have the invite-only service at Maranatha Baptist. That’s the church where Carter famously taught Sunday school for decades. Imagine being a tourist who just happened to book a trip to Plains and ended up getting a lesson on the Gospel from a former Commander-in-Chief. That’s the energy of that building. The guest list for that specific service is incredibly tight—mostly family, close friends, and current/former heads of state.
Why the timing of the motorcade matters
Timing is everything with state funerals. The "Arrival Ceremony" at the Capitol is usually a mid-morning event, dripping with military tradition. You’ll see the "casket bearers" from all branches of the military. It’s a choreographed dance that looks effortless but takes hundreds of hours of practice.
If you are trying to catch the motorcade, you need to keep an eye on local Atlanta news outlets like WSB-TV or FOX 5 Atlanta. They usually have helicopters following the route from the airport to the Capitol. There is something profoundly moving about seeing people lined up on the overpasses of I-75/85 to watch a black hearse go by. It’s a very Southern way of showing respect.
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What to expect during the eulogies
Presidential funerals are one of the few times you see the "Presidents Club" together. Expect to see the living former presidents—Clinton, Bush, Obama—sitting in the front row. Joe Biden, who was a young Senator when Carter was in office and was the first to endorse his 1976 campaign, will likely deliver a primary eulogy.
Carter wasn’t a man of many flourishes. He liked things plain. His favorite hymns, like "Amazing Grace" and "Just as I Am," are almost certainly on the program. He also had a deep love for classical music and Bob Dylan, so the musical selections might surprise you. It won't all be somber organ music; there’s a good chance some soulful Georgia gospel makes its way into the service.
Honoring the legacy beyond the screen
Watching the funeral is one thing, but if you really want to honor what the guy stood for, you probably should look into what he did after he left D.C. He famously said that the Carter Center was his real life’s work. They’ve nearly eradicated Guinea worm disease. Think about that for a second. An entire disease almost wiped off the map because a guy from Georgia decided he wasn't done being useful.
Instead of just watching the proceedings, many people are choosing to donate to Habitat for Humanity or the Carter Center. It’s what he would have wanted. He was always a bit uncomfortable with the pomp and circumstance of the presidency. He was the guy who carried his own luggage onto Air Force One, much to the chagrin of his staff.
Technical tips for the best viewing experience
- Check the local time: Everything will be on Eastern Standard Time (EST). If you’re on the West Coast, you’re getting up early.
- YouTube is your friend: The "official" feeds on YouTube are less likely to crash than small local news websites.
- Audio matters: These services are heavy on choral music and speeches. If you’re watching on a laptop, use headphones. The acoustics in Maranatha Baptist are unique, and you’ll want to hear the nuances of the choir.
- Social Media: Follow the Carter Center on X (formerly Twitter) for real-time updates on delays or schedule changes. State funerals are fluid; things happen.
A final rest in a humble place
Unlike most presidents who choose to be buried at their grand library sites or national cemeteries, Jimmy Carter chose a spot in his own backyard. Literally. He is being buried at his home in Plains, which is part of the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park.
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This is a massive deal for the National Park Service. They will be managing the site for the public for years to come, but for the actual burial, it remains a private family moment. The cameras will stop at the gate. There is a line where the public spectacle ends and the private mourning begins, and for a man who gave so much of his life to the public, that feels earned.
The world feels a bit smaller without him. He was a link to an era of politics that felt more about service than "the brand." Whether you agreed with his policies in the 70s or not, it’s hard to argue with a century of life lived with that much intentionality.
To make sure you don't miss the start of the primary memorial service, set a notification on the PBS NewsHour YouTube channel or bookmark the official Carter Center funeral landing page. Most major networks will begin their special report coverage approximately thirty minutes before the service officially begins. Make sure to download the schedule PDF from the National Press Club if you want to follow along with the specific readings and speakers in real-time.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Official Schedule: Visit CarterCenter.org to confirm the exact start times for the Atlanta and Plains segments.
- Set a Reminder: Use a 30-minute buffer on your calendar for the National Cathedral or Maranatha Baptist services to avoid missing the processional.
- Find a Clean Stream: Bookmark the PBS NewsHour YouTube channel for a high-definition, ad-free experience of the ceremony.
- Contribute: In lieu of flowers, the family has requested support for the Carter Center's ongoing peace and health initiatives.