Former President Jimmy Carter to be honored in Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and Plains

Former President Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States and winner of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at the age of 100, surrounded by his family at his home in Plains, Georgia.

President Carter’s extraordinary life of service will be honored with a State Funeral and Procession befitting a head of state. The ceremonies will take place across several locations, beginning in Atlanta, followed by events in Washington, D.C., and concluding in Plains, Georgia.

Public Observances and Arrangements

The final arrangements for President Carter’s state funeral are available through the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region official website: https://jtfncr.mdw.army.mil/statefunerals/.

State Funeral Events

• January 4, 2025: The funeral events began as Carter’s remains departed Plains, Georgia, and were transported to the Georgia State Capitol. Upon arrival in Atlanta, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp led a ceremony honoring Carter’s life and legacy. His remains were then taken to The Carter Center, where they will lie in repose from 7:00 PM to 6:00 AM on January 7, 2025.
• January 7, 2025: Special Air Mission 39 will arrive at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, at 12:45 PM. A motorcade will then escort Carter’s remains to the U.S. Navy Memorial at 1:15 PM, where they will be transferred to a horse-drawn caisson for the funeral procession to the U.S. Capitol at 2:00 PM. Carter will lie in state for about 36 hours.
• State Funeral Service: The state funeral service will take place at the Washington National Cathedral, a traditional site for such ceremonies honoring American heads of state. President Joe Biden will deliver the eulogy during this televised service.
• Return to Georgia: After the ceremony in Washington, Carter’s remains will be flown back to Georgia for final interment. Upon arrival in Plains, the remains will be taken by motorcade to the family plot for burial. His remains will lie in state briefly, with a military guard of honor. The public will have the opportunity to pay respects from 7:00 PM to midnight.

These events will honor the life and lasting impact of former President Carter, whose commitment to peace, human rights, and global diplomacy has shaped the world in meaningful ways.

President Carter is survived by his children — Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rosalynn, and one grandchild.

In lieu of flowers, the Carter family has requested donations be made to The Carter Center in Atlanta, GA. For those wishing to pay their respects, the official tribute website, www.jimmycartertribute.org, includes an online condolence book and biographical materials commemorating his life.