Jimmy Carter’s Final Public Appearance Was to Mourn Late Wife Rosalynn

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:John Bazemore/AP Photo

John Bazemore/AP Photo

Former PresidentJimmy Carter— whodied on Sunday, Dec. 29, at 100 years old — emerged from hospice care in November 2023 to mourn the love of his life,Rosalynn Carter, bravely offering the nation a final glimpse at its longest-living leader in a rare moment of vulnerability for an ailing head of state.

Nobody familiar with Jimmy needed to see him at Rosalynn’s memorial services to know how much he cared for her. But when the 99-year-old former presidentappeared in person— nine months into hospice and “physically diminished,” as his grandson toldThe New York Timesbefore one service — his dogged love for his wife of 77 years came into full view: in sickness or in health, he would show up for the girl from Plains who never failed to show for him.

Jimmy Carter makes his first public appearance in years, arriving at a tribute service for Rosalynn Carter in Atlanta on Nov. 28, 2023.ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images

ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images

Jimmy’s first appearance since retreating from public view during the COVID-19 pandemic came at a tribute service for his wife on Nov. 28, 2023, when he was brought into Emory University’s Glenn Memorial Church in a wheelchair, wearing a blanket depicting his and his wife’s faces.

Amy Carter and Chip Carter hold their father Jimmy Carter’s hand during a tribute service for Rosalynn Carter on Nov. 28.ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images

Shortly after attending Rosalynn’s tribute service — at which he looked noticeably more frail than the last time people saw him — Jimmy made a second public appearance to honor his late wife, attendingan intimate funeral servicein Plains, Ga., which was limited to family and friends.

The funeral was held at the Maranatha Baptist Church, where Jimmy taught Sunday school for many years after his presidency. Sitting in a wheelchair,he donned a red leiin an apparent nod to the cherished time he and Rosalynn spent in Hawaii when he was in the Navy.

Jimmy Carter attends the funeral of Rosalynn Carter in Plains, Georgia, on Nov. 29, 2023, wearing a red lei in honor of his late wife.ALEX BRANDON/POOL/AFP via Getty

ALEX BRANDON/POOL/AFP via Getty

The former first couple deeded their property to the National Park Service, so that their longtime residence could be turned into a museum.

source: people.com