Jimmy Carter ceremonies updates: Former president to remain in Atlanta through Tuesday
The emotional, week-long public goodbye to former President Jimmy Carter is underway.
Carter's body was transferred from his hometown of Plains, Georgia, to Atlanta on Saturday. The former president, who died on Dec. 29 at the age of 100, will remain in Atlanta through Tuesday.
Latest Developments
Jan 4, 4:47 PM
Carter to remain in Atlanta through Tuesday
Former President Jimmy Carter will lie in repose at the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta through Tuesday.
Mourners can pay their respects at the center from 7 p.m. Saturday until 6 a.m. Tuesday.
He will be transported to Washington, D.C. on Tuesday morning. A service will be held at the Capitol on Tuesday afternoon and the late president will lie in state at the Capitol on Wednesday.
On Thursday morning, dignitaries will gather in D.C. for Carter’s state funeral at Washington National Cathedral. President Joe Biden is expected to deliver a eulogy.
On Thursday afternoon, Carter will return to his hometown of Plains, Georgia, for a private service and private interment.
Jan 4, 5:05 PM
'The two of them together changed the world'
Former President Jimmy Carter's son Chip Carter thanked his parents for their service and sacrifice at Saturday's service at the Carter Presidential Center.
"The two of them together changed the world," he said, overcome with emotion.
Chip Carter called out the caregivers who cared for his father in the last years of his life, including one caregiver attending Saturday's service who spent 6 years working for the former president.
"They are the people that helped keep him alive and comfortable and fed and cleaned," Chip Carter said. "It was amazing, what they did for us."
He also shared memories from his childhood.
Chip Carter said when he failed Latin, his dad spent Christmas break learning Latin and teaching it to him. Chip Carter said when he returned to school, he asked to re-take the test and got an A.
Jan 4, 4:53 PM
'His legacy will live on,' grandson says
At a service at the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta, former President Jimmy Carter’s grandson Jason Carter said the family has been planning for this day for a while, but it’s still difficult.
To the Carter Center employees, he said, "While we mourn my grandfather’s passing, I know in my heart -- and you all do -- that his legacy will live on not only because of the millions of people he touched across the globe," but because of the tireless work of the Carter Center employees.
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter founded the Carter Center after his presidency to improve health around the world and enhance freedom and democracy.
Jan 4, 4:49 PM
Hearse arrives at Carter Presidential Center
Former President Jimmy Carter’s motorcade has arrived at the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta for a 4 p.m. service.
"
"Hail to the Chief" and “America the Beautiful” were played as his coffin was brought to the building, with the Carter family looking on.
Carter’s son Chip Carter and grandson Jason Carter are expected to speak.
President Carter is survived by four children -- John William (Jack), James Earl III (Chip), Donnel Jeffrey (Jeff) and Amy Lynn -- and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His wife of 77 years, Rosalynn, died on Nov. 19, 2023, at age 96.
Jan 4, 3:55 PM
Motorcade stops at Georgia's state capitol
The motorcade’s first stop in Atlanta is Georgia’s state capitol, where former President Jimmy Carter will be honored with a moment of silence.
Carter served as governor of Georgia and a state senator before becoming the 39th president.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens are among the officials at the capitol to pay their respects. The president's son Jack Carter and grandson Jason Carter briefly exited the car to shake officials' hands.
Georgia state troopers who were on Carter’s protective detail during his time as governor also attended.
Jan 4, 2:53 PM
Carter’s White House portrait dressed in black bunting
Former President Jimmy Carter’s official White House portrait has been dressed in black bunting.
President Joe Biden ordered American flags to be flown at half-mast for 30 days following Carter’s death. He also marked Jan. 9, 2025, as a National Day of Mourning.
Jan 4, 2:05 PM
Georgia residents line the streets to watch motorcade
Georgia residents from Ellaville to Fort Valley lined the streets with their families, holding American flags, to watch former President Jimmy Carter’s motorcade pass by on Saturday.
The motorcade is driving through several Georgia towns while en route from Carter’s hometown of Plains to Atlanta.
The motorcade will reach Atlanta around 3 p.m.
Jan 4, 1:58 PM
Carter begins final journey to Atlanta
Former President Jimmy Carter is now taking his final drive to Atlanta.
The public can view the motorcade in the cities of Preston, Ellaville, Butler, Reynolds, and Fort Valley.
The motorcade will arrive in Atlanta at about 3 p.m. The first stop will be the state capitol for a moment of silence. Carter’s remains will then go to the Carter Presidential Center for a service at 4 p.m.
Jan 4, 4:51 PM
Hearse makes emotional stop at Carter's boyhood home
The motorcade stopped in front of the Plains, Georgia, farm that was former President Jimmy Carter’s boyhood home. The home had no running water or electricity during his childhood.
The home is now a part of the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park.
National Park Service employees who work at the home saluted the hearse and the farm bell was rung 39 times in his honor.
Jan 4, 11:16 AM
Motorcade drives through Plains
The motorcade next drove through the small town of Plains, Georgia, the lifelong home of former President Jimmy Carter.
Members of the public were invited to line the route to pay their respects.
