In brief
The country is set to commemorate the life and achievements of Jimmy Carter, the longest-lived U.S. president, who died on Sunday in Plains, Georgia. His state funeral will occur at the Washington National Cathedral, on a day declared a national day of mourning, with flags flown at half-staff on federal property for 30 days. This period will include the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. The Carter family has agreed for him to lie in state at the U.S. Capitol rotunda, a tradition permitting the public to pay their respects.
The ceremony has drawn tributes from across the political spectrum, with President Joe Biden describing Carter as “a humble servant of God and the people,” adding to praise from others, including former presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama. All four living former presidents are expected to attend the services. Carter, who served as president from 1977 to 1981, is remembered for his dedication to global peace, humanitarian efforts, and environmental advocacy. His presidency, overshadowed by economic challenges, set the foundation for his well-regarded post-presidential work, including the establishment of the Carter Center and collaboration with Habitat for Humanity. The nation will close stock markets on January 9 to observe the memorial.
