Jimmy Carter was always a man who did things his own way. From the peanut farms of Georgia to the global stage of the Nobel Peace Prize, his life was a testament to grit and quiet dignity. So, when the world lost him on December 29, 2024, at the incredible age of 100, the questions about his final honors started immediately. People wanted to know: how do you say goodbye to a man who spent forty years after the White House building houses and eradicating diseases?
The answer, quite literally, was a journey that spanned the heart of the South and the marble halls of Washington, D.C.
The Tradition: Will Jimmy Carter Lie in State?
Yes. Jimmy Carter received the full honors of a state funeral, which included lying in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. It’s a rare honor. Historically, this is reserved for the most distinguished government officials and military officers. Carter, having served as both the Commander in Chief and a Naval officer, fit the bill perfectly.
Actually, the process was a multi-stage farewell. It didn't just happen in D.C.
Before he ever reached the Capitol, he lay in repose at the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta. There's a slight technical difference there—"lying in state" happens in a government building like the Capitol, while "lying in repose" happens elsewhere, like a library or a church.
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The public didn't just want to see a ceremony; they wanted to say thanks. Over 23,000 people filed past his casket in Atlanta alone. People stood in line for hours just for a few seconds of silence. It was moving, honestly.
The Journey to Washington
On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, his casket was flown from Georgia to Joint Base Andrews on a plane designated as Special Air Mission 39. That "39" was a nod to him being the 39th president. Small details like that really matter in these ceremonies.
Once he arrived in D.C., the scene was something out of a history book. A horse-drawn caisson carried him from the U.S. Navy Memorial to the Capitol. The streets were quiet, covered in a fresh blanket of snow.
What Happened Inside the Rotunda
When the casket arrived at the Capitol, military body bearers carried it up the steps and placed it on the Lincoln Catafalque. This is the same wooden platform built for Abraham Lincoln’s funeral in 1865.
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For two days, the public was invited to pay their respects. The doors stayed open through the night. It wasn't just politicians in suits; it was regular people who remembered his Sunday School lessons or his work with Habitat for Humanity.
A Rare Bipartisan Moment
In a time when nobody seems to agree on anything, Carter’s lying in state was different. You had Vice President Kamala Harris and Speaker Mike Johnson standing side-by-side.
Harris gave a tribute that hit home for a lot of people. She mentioned that his work spoke "louder than any tribute we can offer." It’s true. The man lived his faith. Even the guest list for the later service at the National Cathedral was a "who's who" of American politics, including President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.
The Logistics of the Farewell
If you’re looking for the specific timeline of how this all played out, it was a busy week in early January 2025:
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- January 4-7: Lying in repose at the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta.
- January 7: Arrival at the U.S. Capitol and a service for members of Congress.
- January 7-9: Lying in state for public viewing in the Rotunda.
- January 9: The state funeral at Washington National Cathedral.
One of the most touching parts of the D.C. service was the music. Jimmy was known as the "Rock-n-Roll President" because of his ties to musicians like the Allman Brothers and Willie Nelson. While the service at the Cathedral was formal, it still felt like him.
Going Home to Plains
Despite all the pomp and circumstance in Washington, Jimmy Carter never forgot where he came from. He didn't want to stay in D.C. or even a grand presidential library.
After the state funeral, he was flown back to Georgia for a private service at Maranatha Baptist Church. That’s the small church where he famously taught Sunday School for decades. Finally, he was buried at his family’s farm in Plains, right next to his beloved Rosalynn Carter, who passed away just over a year before him.
They’re back together now, in the same dirt they started from.
Actionable Insights for History Buffs
If you're looking to honor the legacy of Jimmy Carter or learn more about the traditions of state funerals, here are a few things you can do:
- Visit the Carter Center: If you're ever in Atlanta, the Presidential Library and Museum offers a deep look into his post-presidency work, which many argue was his greatest achievement.
- Support the Carter Center’s Missions: They are still working to eradicate Guinea worm disease and monitor elections globally. It’s the best way to keep his spirit alive.
- Study the "Lying in State" Protocol: The Architect of the Capitol maintains a public list of every person who has received this honor. It’s a fascinating look at American history through the lens of those we choose to mourn collectively.
Jimmy Carter's final journey wasn't just about a president passing away; it was about the end of an era of a certain kind of public service. Whether you agreed with his politics or not, the way he was honored at the Capitol showed that character still counts for something.