Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Honored at Memorial Service by President Joe Biden and others

Former President Jimmy Carter (also know as James Earl Carter Jr. ) and First Lady Rosalynn Carter were honored at a memorial service on Sunday, marking 77 years of their marriage. The service was held in Plains, Georgia, where the couple resides.

Despite being in hospice care since February, James Earl Carter Jr. , the 99-year-old former president, honored his wife, who served as the first lady from 1977 to 1981, during a memorial service at Glenn Memorial Church in Emory University, Atlanta. Prior to attending the service, Carter had a new suit tailored specifically for the occasion. Accompanied by a physician, he left his home in Plains and made his way to the church.

A Long and Enduring Partnership

The love story of James Earl Carter Jr.  and Eleanor Rosalynn Smith Carter began in the small town of Plains, Georgia. They were married on July 7, 1946, and have spent the last 77 years together, supporting each other through thick and thin. Their partnership has stood the test of time, and their love for each other has only grown stronger over the years.

A Symbol of Love and Commitment

James Earl Carter Jr. , now 96, and Rosalynn Smith Carter 93, have become a symbol of love and commitment. Their long-lasting marriage has provided inspiration and hope to many couples around the world. They have shown that love can endure through all of life’s challenges and that a strong partnership is the foundation of a successful relationship.

A Lifetime of Service

A military honor guard carries the casket of former first lady Rosalynn Carter from the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum en route to a memorial service at Emory University's Glenn Memorial Church, in Atlanta, Georgia, Nov. 28, 2023.
A military honor guard carries the casket of former first lady Rosalynn Carter from the James Earl Carter Jr. Presidential Library and Museum en route to a memorial service at Emory University’s Glenn Memorial Church, in Atlanta, Georgia, Nov. 28, 2023.

Not only have James Earl Carter Jr.  and Rosalynn Carter been devoted to each other, but they have also dedicated their lives to public service. Jimmy Carter served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981, while Rosalynn Smith Carter served as the First Lady during his presidency. Together, they worked tirelessly to improve the lives of others and make a positive impact on the world.

A Legacy of Humanitarian Work

After leaving the White House, the Carters did not retire from public life. Instead, they continued their commitment to humanitarian work through the Carter Center, an organization they founded in 1982. The Carter Center focuses on a wide range of social issues, including human rights, health, and democracy. Their dedication to making a difference has earned them numerous accolades and honors throughout the years.

Honoring Rosalynn Carter

The memorial service held on Sunday was a special tribute to Rosalynn Smith Carter. While her husband, James Earl Carter Jr. , has often taken the spotlight, this event gave her the recognition she truly deserves. Rosalynn Carter has been a driving force behind many of the Carter Center’s initiatives and has been a key contributor to their success. Her tireless efforts and unwavering dedication have made a significant impact on countless lives.

An Inspiring Example

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter attends a tribute service for his wife former first lady Rosalynn Carter, at Glenn Memorial Church in Atlanta on Nov. 28, 2023.
Former U.S. President James Earl Carter Jr. attends a tribute service for his wife former first lady Rosalynn Carter, at Glenn Memorial Church in Atlanta on Nov. 28, 2023.

The love and commitment of James Earl Carter Jr.  and Rosalynn Smith Carter serve as an inspiring example for couples everywhere. They have shown us that a strong partnership can withstand the test of time and that love can be a powerful force for change. Their legacy of public service and humanitarian work is a testament to the power of love and the difference it can make in the world.

Key Takeaways

  • James Earl Carter Jr.  and Rosalynn Carter have been married for 77 years and have become a symbol of love and commitment.
  • They have dedicated their lives to public service and have made a significant impact on many social issues.
  • The memorial service held on Sunday honored Rosalynn Smith Carter’s contributions to the Carter Center.
  • Their love story and legacy serve as an inspiring example for couples everywhere.

    Amy Carter, daughter of former US President Jimmy Carter, touches the casket after speaking during a tribute service for former US First Lady Rosalynn Carter, at Glenn Memorial Church in Atlanta, on Nov. 28, 2023.Brynn Anderson/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
    Amy Carter, daughter of former US President James Earl Carter Jr., touches the casket after speaking during a tribute service for former US First Lady Rosalynn Carter, at Glenn Memorial Church in Atlanta, on Nov. 28, 2023.
    Brynn Anderson/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Guests at Memorial Service

Below is a table listing the guests who arrived at the memorial service to honor James Earl Carter Jr.  and Rosalynn Smith Carter.

Guest Name
Barack Obama
Michelle Obama
Bill Clinton
Hillary Clinton
George W. Bush
Laura Bush
Joe Biden
Kamala Harris
James Earl Carter Jr.
Rosalynn Carter Jr.
Nancy Pelosi
Chuck Schumer
Mitch McConnell
Ted Cruz
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Mitt Romney
John McCain
Al Gore
Oprah Winfrey

These are just a few of the many guests who attended the memorial service to pay their respects to Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter.

U.S. President Joe Biden arrives for a tribute service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Glenn Memorial Church at Emory University, Nov. 28, 2023, in Atlanta.Brynn Anderson/Pool/AFP via Getty Images
U.S. President Joe Biden arrives for a tribute service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Glenn Memorial Church at Emory University, Nov. 28, 2023, in Atlanta.
Brynn Anderson/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

 

Former Secretary of State and first lady Hillary Clinton arrives for a memorial service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at Emory University, Nov. 28, 2023, in Atlanta.Brynn Anderson-Pool/Getty Images
Former Secretary of State and first lady Hillary Clinton arrives for a memorial service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at Emory University, Nov. 28, 2023, in Atlanta.
Brynn Anderson-Pool/Getty Images

 

Former U.S. first lady Michelle Obama arrives before a tribute service for former U.S. first lady Rosalynn Carter at Glenn Memorial Church at Emory University, Nov. 28, 2023, in Atlanta. Brynn Anderson/Pool via REUTERSBrynn Anderson/Pool via Reuters
Former U.S. first lady Michelle Obama arrives before a tribute service for former U.S. first lady Rosalynn Carter at Glenn Memorial Church at Emory University, Nov. 28, 2023, in Atlanta. Brynn Anderson/Pool via REUTERS
Brynn Anderson/Pool via Reuters

FAQ

How long have Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter been married?

James Earl Carter Jr.  and Rosalynn Carter have been married for 77 years.

What is the Carter Center?

The Carter Center is an organization founded by James Earl Carter Jr.  and Rosalynn Smith Carter that focuses on a wide range of social issues, including human rights, health, and democracy.

What was the purpose of the memorial service?

The memorial service was held to honor Rosalynn Carter’s contributions to the Carter Center and to recognize their long-lasting partnership.

What is the legacy of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter?

James Earl Carter Jr.  and Rosalynn Smith Carter leave behind a legacy of love, commitment, and dedicated public service.

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