US Presidents and First Ladies Unite to Honour Rosalynn Carter

The memorial service for the late First Lady Rosalynn Carter on Tuesday witnessed a historic gathering of both current and former US presidents and first ladies in Atlanta, Georgia. Former President Jimmy Carter attended the tribute service, where all five living first ladies paid respects to Rosalynn following her recent passing. Melania Trump, Michelle Obama, Jill Biden, and others joined in this unique display of unity.

During the ceremony, Jill Biden, the current First Lady, shared the stage with Laura Bush, Michelle Obama, Melania Trump, and Hillary Clinton—comprising all living former First Ladies. President Joe Biden, former President Bill Clinton, Vice President Kamala Harris, and second gentleman Doug Emhoff were also present at the poignant tribute service.

Michelle Obama, reflecting on the solemn occasion, expressed her sentiments in a heartfelt note: “When our family was in the White House, every so often, Rosalynn would join me for lunch, offering a few words of advice and always—always — a helping hand. She reminded me to make the role of First Lady my own, just like she did. I’ll always remain grateful for her support and her generosity.”

In addition to the distinguished guests from the political arena, high-ranking executives and authorities from administrative offices, including Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, Georgia’s First Lady Marty Kemp, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, and various members of Congress and elected officials of Georgia, attended the memorial service at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church on the Emory University campus.

The final farewell for Rosalynn Carter will take place on Wednesday at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, hosting an official funeral service for friends and family. The former First Lady passed away on Sunday at the age of 96, after battling dementia since May and being under hospice care for the past two days.