A week-long formal funeral service honors the former President Jimmy Carter, who died at the age of 100 last week, started on Saturday morning. These celebrations will honor Carter's journey from his birthplace in Plains, Georgia, to his esteemed role on the global humanitarian stage as the 39th US President.
On Saturday morning, people gathered in downtown Plains to lay flowers at the base of the Carter Memorial. The tribute also featured Habitat for Humanity hard hats emblazoned with handwritten messages, including one that said: “God bless you, Mr. President,” USA Today first reported.
The exact cause of his death on December 29 was unclear. Carter's death came after the death of… His wife, Rosalyn on November 19, 2023. She died at the age of 96 with her family by her side at Carter Home in Plains, just days after entering hospice care.
Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, has died at the age of 100
Former and current U.S. Secret Service agents assigned to Carter's detail carry the flag-draped casket of former President Jimmy Carter, at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus, Georgia, Saturday, January 4, 2025. Carter died on December 29, 2025. Age 100. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Carter was the oldest living president.
US President Jimmy Carter announces new sanctions on Iran in response to the taking of American hostages, Washington, DC, USA, photo by Marion S. Tricosco, April 7, 1980. (World History Archive/World Image Collection via Getty Images)
The following is the order of funeral ceremonies:
Saturday 4 January:
•10:15 a.m.: The Carter family will arrive at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus, Georgia. Nine current and former Secret Service agents in the Carter administration will serve as pallbearers, escorting his remains to the casket.
•10:50 a.m.: The procession will travel across the plains, stopping briefly at Carter's childhood home in Archery. During this pause, the National Park Service will ring the historic plantation bell 39 times, symbolizing Carter's term as the 39th president.
•10:55 a.m.: Flight to Atlanta will begin.
Former President Jimmy Carter is spending “remaining time” at home receiving hospice care
Carter steps off the plane upon landing at Havana International Airport on March 28, 2011. (Adalberto Roque/AFP via Getty Images)
•3:00 p.m.: Upon arriving in Atlanta, the motorcade will stop at the Georgia State Capitol for a moment of silence led by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Lt. Governor Bert Jones. Greater Atlanta Andre Dickens, and members of the Georgia General Assembly.
Georgia State Patrol troopers, both current and retired, will gather on the Capitol steps, with those who served in Carter's security detail during his term receiving pride of place.
Tom Chafin, of Atlanta, leaves flowers at the entrance of the Jimmy Carter Presidential Center Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Atlanta. Carter died on Sunday at the age of 100. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
• 3:45 p.m.: An arrival ceremony will be held at the Carter Presidential Center.
• 4:00 p.m.: A private mass will be held in the lobby of the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum.
• 7:00 PM: President Carter lies in state at the Carter Presidential Center, allowing the public to pay their respects until 6:00 AM on Tuesday, January 7.
A jar of peanuts is among items left in honor of former President Jimmy Carter at the entrance to the Jimmy Carter Presidential Center Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Atlanta. Carter died on Sunday at the age of 100. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Subsequent services:
• January. September 7: President Carter's remains will be transported to Washington, D.C., where he will lie in state at the U.S. Capitol for national veneration.
• January. 9: The national funeral service is held at the Washington National Cathedral President Joe Biden He is expected to deliver the eulogy. Biden declared Thursday a national day of mourning.
Jimmy Carter is expected to lie in state in the rotunda before the state funeral scheduled by Biden
Carter appears on the ABC News television series “This Week with George Stephanopoulos” for his new book, “A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety.” (Ida Mae Steut/American Broadcasting Companies via Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
• tracking washington service, Carter's remains will return to Georgia for a private funeral at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains. Carter will then be buried next to his late wife, Rosalynn Carter, at their residence.
Fox News Digital's Andrea Magolis contributed to this report.
