Honoring a Legacy Funeral Plans for Former President Jimmy Carter

The White House confirmed on Monday that the official state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter will be held on January 9 in Washington, DC.

President Joe Biden declared January 9 a National Day of Mourning in a proclamation issued Sunday, shortly after Carter’s passing at the age of 100.

Through his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and advocate for the most vulnerable. He saved, uplifted, and transformed lives across the globe, Biden said of Carter.

Public tributes celebrating Carter’s legacy will take place in Atlanta and Washington, DC, followed by a private interment in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, according to The Carter Center. Final arrangements are still being finalized, and the ceremonies will be overseen by the Department of Defense’s Joint Task Force–National Capital Region.

On Sunday, Biden delivered a heartfelt speech reflecting on his personal connection with Carter and the mutual support their families provided during battles with cancer.

This is a sad day, but it also brings back incredible memories, Biden said, pausing his St. Croix vacation to deliver the unscheduled remarks. America and the world have lost a remarkable leader—a statesman, a humanitarian—and Jill and I have lost a dear friend.

Recalling over 50 years of friendship, Biden described Carter as someone who lived a life measured not by words, but by deeds. He highlighted Carter’s enduring commitment to his faith, noting, To understand him, you must know he never stopped being a Sunday school teacher in Plains, Georgia.

Biden praised Carter’s resilience, calling him just as courageous in his battle against cancer as he was in every aspect of his life. He reflected on how cancer created a unique bond between their families, mentioning Carter and his wife Rosalynn’s support following the death of Biden’s son, Beau.

When Beau passed, Jimmy and Rosalynn were there to help us heal, Biden shared. He added that he and the first lady offered similar comfort when Carter faced his diagnosis.

We often spoke about our shared belief that, as a nation, we have the talent and resources to one day end cancer as we know it, Biden said.

The president also confirmed that he had spoken with all of Carter’s children and assured that efforts were underway to honor Carter’s life appropriately.

An outpouring of love and admiration poured in from across the world, with tributes from world leaders, nonprofit organizations, military personnel, and politicians from both sides of the aisle. Many celebrated Carter’s achievements in eradicating disease, brokering peace in the Middle East, advancing civil rights, and promoting free elections worldwide, while emphasizing his unwavering moral compass and profound decency.