President elect Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump visit the flag draped casket of the late former President Jimmy Carter as he lies in state at the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)
Today, the nation pauses to honor the life and legacy of Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States. President Joe Biden has declared a National Day of Mourning to recognize Carter’s extraordinary contributions as a statesman, humanitarian, and champion of peace.
This morning at 9 a.m. Eastern, Carter’s body was moved from the Capitol, where it lay in state, to the Washington National Cathedral. A solemn funeral service will follow, attended by dignitaries, including President Biden and President-elect Donald Trump. Biden is set to deliver the eulogy.
Front row, from left, President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff and second row from left, former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former President George W. Bush, Laura Bush, former President Barack Obama, President-elect Donald Trump and Melania Trump, stand during the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter at Washington National Cathedral in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
All living former presidents and numerous world leaders are expected to pay their respects to Carter, who passed away on Dec. 29 at the age of 100. Serving from 1977 to 1981, Carter’s post-presidency work with the Carter Center cemented his legacy as a leader devoted to humanitarian efforts and living by his principles.
White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris is a native Washingtonian and University of South Carolina alumna. Her passion is mentoring young adults by teaching community empowerment and media education. She is an NAB member and board member of the Thurgood Marshall Center and was presented the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for contributing more than 4,000 hours of community service under the Obama Administration.
