Overview and Key Facts
Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States and lifelong humanitarian, died at his home in Plains, Georgia on December 29, 2024, at age 100. His death and state followed a documented sequence: formal announcement on December 29, 2024; lying in state at the Capitol Rotunda on January 9, 2025; national funeral at the Washington National Cathedral on January 12, 2025; and interment at his family cemetery in Plains on January 13, 2025. Official decisions, such as the flag order and national mourning periods, reinforced the formal recognition of his service.
Confirmed Timeline of Major Events
The following table summarizes the verified dates, locations, and actions related to the death and state funeral of Jimmy Carter. Dates and event descriptions are drawn from official statements and news reports issued by the Carter Center, White House, and relevant authorities.
| Date | Event | Location | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 29, 2024 | Death announced | Plains, Georgia | Official statement |
| December 30, 2024 | Lying in repose at LBJ Library | Austin, Texas | Official schedule |
| January 9, 2025 | Lying in state | U.S. Capitol Rotunda | Congressional record |
| January 10, 2025 | Arlington National Cemetery ceremony | Arlington, Virginia | Military protocols |
| January 12, 2025 | National funeral | Washington National Cathedral | White House itinerary |
| January 13, 2024 | Interment | Plains, Georgia | Carter Center announcement |
National Honors and Military Tributes
As a former commander in chief, Carter received full state honors. These included a lying in state at the Capitol Rotunda, an Armed Forces Honor Guard ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, and a national funeral service at the Washington National Cathedral. Presidential proclamations and flag orders directed that flags be flown at half-staff for specified periods. The national funeral followed protocols established for former presidents, coordinated by the Armed Forces Joint Task Force and administered by the Architect of the Capitol and the White House Military Office.
Sequence of U.S. Presidential Honors
- Lying in repose: LBJ Library, Austin, Texas
- Lying in state: U.S. Capitol Rotunda
- Arlington National Cemetery military service and chapel ceremony
- National funeral at Washington National Cathedral
- Interment in Plains, Georgia
Public Visitation and Commemoration
The public was invited to pay respects during officially announced visitation periods. Notably, Carter lay in repose at the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library in Austin on December 30, 2024, and in state at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on January 9, 2025. Selected remarks from leaders emphasized his lifelong commitment to human rights, public service, and peaceful conflict resolution. These commemorations were coordinated with guidance from the Carter Center and federal authorities to ensure respectful public engagement.
Context: Post-Presidency and Legacy
Since leaving the White House in 1981, Jimmy Carter became the longest-living U.S. president and continued extensive humanitarian work through the Carter Center. His later years were marked by Habitat for Humanity builds, election observation missions, and advocacy for health and human rights. The state funeral reflected both his constitutional service as president and his enduring global impact, with international leaders noting his moral clarity and dedication to service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are concise answers to common questions about the death and state funeral of Jimmy Carter, based on official schedules and statements.
- When did Jimmy Carter die? He died on December 29, 2024, at his home in Plains, Georgia.
- Where was the national funeral held? The national funeral was held at the Washington National Cathedral on January 12, 2025.
- Was there a lying in state? Yes, Carter lay in state at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on January 9, 2025.
- Were flags ordered at half-staff? Yes, Presidential proclamations and flag orders directed half-staff observances for specified periods.
- Where is Carter buried? He was interred at his family cemetery in Plains, Georgia, on January 13, 2025.
- Did foreign leaders attend the funeral? The Washington National Cathedral service included attendance and remarks from international dignitaries, reflecting his global stature.