PHOTOS: A frail-looking Jimmy Carter attends Rosalynn Carter's tribute service

Tue, 11/28/2023 - 15:47

An image of Rosalyn Carter's coffin with flowers on top of it in the center of a church while people sit behind and in front. — Pastor Tony Lowden speaks during a tribute service for former First Lady Rosalynn Carter at Glenn Memorial Church at Emory University.
Brynn Anderson via AP photos

A memorial service for Rosalynn Carter was held in Atlanta on Tuesday, November 28.
In attendance were all living US first ladies and the 99-year-old Jimmy Carter.
Rosalynn Carter died on November 19, in her hometown of Plains, Ga., at the age of 96.

Ninety-nine-year-old former President Jimmy Carter, ten months into home hospice care, attended the memorial service for his wife, Rosalynn, on Tuesday. He hadn't been publicly seen since his September appearance at a Georgia festival. The two were married for 77 years.

The former first lady died on November 19 at home in Plains, Georgia, at age 96.

Tuesday's tribute service is part of a three-day series of events in remembrance of the former first lady.

All living US first ladies attended, as did the second gentleman, Doug Emhoff, and prominent elected officials from Georgia.

Jimmy Carter attended the memorial for his wife.

A photo of Jimmy Carter being escorted into a church for his wife's tribute service in a wheelchair. — Former President Jimmy Carter arrives to attend a tribute service for his wife, former first lady Rosalynn Carter.
Andrew Harnik via AP photos

Former President Carter spent the prior night at The Carter Center, where his wife lay in repose, according to The Associated Press.

"He never wants to be very far from her," Carter Center chief executive Paige Alexander said.

Amy Carter, Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter's daughter, also spoke at her mother's memorial service.

A photo of James — James "Chip" Carter kisses his father, former President Jimmy Carter, after speaking during a tribute service for his mother, former first lady Rosalynn Carter.
Andrew Harnik via AP photos

As Amy Carter held his hand during the service, former President Carter was surrounded by his three sons, Jeff, Chip, and Jack.

James "Chip" Carter spoke at the service for his mother.

James "Chip" Carter spoke fondly of his mother, who relished her family life and supporting her husband's political career.

"My mother was the glue that held our family together, through the ups and downs and thicks and thins of our family's politics. As individuals she believed in us and took care of us," he said during his remarks.

"She told me that when dad started running for president, that the thing that she enjoyed the most were the people that she met across the country," he added.

Amy Carter, Rosalynn and Jimmy's daughter, also spoke at her mother's memorial service.

A photo of Amy Carter speaking during a tribute service for her mother and former first lady Rosalynn Carter. — Amy Carter speaks during a tribute service for her mother and former first lady Rosalynn Carter, at Glenn Memorial Church.
Andrew Harnik/AP Photos

Rosalynn's children and her dozens of grandchildren and great-grandchildren were in the front row of the memorial service.

Amy Carter, who entered the White House as a nine-year old, read aloud a love letter that her father wrote to Rosalynn 75 years ago.

"My darling, every time I have ever been away from you I have been thrilled when I returned to discover just how wonderful you are," the letter read. "While I am away I try to convince myself that you really are not, could not be as sweet and beautiful as I remember. But when I see you I fall in love with you all over again. Does that seem strange to you? It doesn't to me."

Longtime friend President Joe Biden attended the memorial.

A photo of U.S. President Joe Biden arriving for a tribute service for former U.S. first lady Rosalynn Carter. — President Joe Biden arrives at a tribute service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter.
POOL via REUTERS

President Biden was a first-term Senator when he endorsed Jimmy Carter's presidential run in 1976.

First Lady Jill Biden accompanied President Biden.

A photo of U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden attending a tribute service for former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. — President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden attend a tribute service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter.
EVELYN HOCKSTEIN via REUTERS

President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden enjoyed a close friendship with Rosalynn Carter.

Vice President Kamala Harris joined the president and first lady at the memorial service.

A photo of Vice President Kamala Harris arrives for a tribute service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter. — Vice President Kamala Harris arrives for a tribute service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter.
Brynn Anderson via AP Photos.

Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff accompanied Vice President Harris to the service as well.

In addition to Jill Biden, all living former first ladies were in attendance.

A photo of former U.S. first ladies Michelle Obama, Melania Trump, and Laura Bush attend a tribute service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter. — Former US first ladies Michelle Obama, Melania Trump and Laura Bush attend a tribute service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter.
EVELYN HOCKSTEIN via Reuters.

Former Presidents Donald Trump, Barack Obama, and George W. Bush were all invited but did not attend.

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton paid their respects.

President Joe Biden, left, First Lady Jill Biden, former President Bill Clinton, and former First Lady Hillary Clinton, right, arrive to attend a tribute service for former First Lady Rosalynn Carter.
Andrew Harnik via AP Photos

Former Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter have a shared Southern background, and both were successful Southern governors who sought the White House.

Georgia Senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff attended.