A state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter, who died at 100, will take place at the National Cathedral, with President Biden set to deliver the eulogy and 3,000 attendees expected to honor his legacy.

The funeral marks a pivotal moment in honoring Carter's extensive contributions to American society, including his diplomatic milestones and humanitarian efforts. As the nation observes a day of mourning, all five living former presidents will attend, emphasizing a rare moment of unity amid current political divides. The service will feature prayers, eulogies, and music, highlighting Carter's impact as a leader who valued both diplomacy and service, before a private ceremony in his hometown of Plains, Georgia.

Jimmy Carter passed away on December 29, leaving behind a significant legacy marked by both his achievements as president and his post-presidential humanitarian efforts. His state funeral at the National Cathedral promises to reflect the depth of his impact on both national and global stages.

President Biden has declared a national day of mourning for Carter, urging Americans to honor his memory and the values he embodied throughout his life. This day is intended to unite citizens in reflection, allowing a moment of collective remembrance for a leader who dedicated himself to public service.

The honor of delivering the eulogy falls to President Biden, who is expected to pay tribute to Carter's dedication to diplomacy, exemplified by establishing full diplomatic relations with China. Biden's presence, alongside all five living former presidents—Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump—illustrates a rare moment of bipartisan respect and acknowledgment of a former leader's contributions.

An estimated 3,000 people are anticipated to attend the funeral, which speaks to the widespread respect Carter garnered throughout his lifetime. Among the expected attendees are former First Ladies Jill Biden, Melania Trump, Hillary Clinton, and Laura Bush. However, Michelle Obama will not be in attendance.

Prior to the funeral, Carter was honored in the Capitol Rotunda, where he lay in state from Tuesday afternoon until Thursday morning. During this time, numerous members of Congress, as well as Cabinet secretaries, took the opportunity to pay their respects, reflecting on Carter's decades of service to the nation.

The National Cathedral has hosted four previous national funeral services, and this event marks the fifth. The service is set to include readings, prayers, eulogies, a homily, and music. A military honor guard will also be present, further delineating the solemn nature of the occasion and honoring the service Carter provided to the country.

The dean of the National Cathedral commented on the importance of the gathering, suggesting that the event provides an opportunity to set aside partisan rancor. This sentiment is especially poignant given the current political climate, as the presence of all living former presidents underscores a shared respect for Carter's legacy.

Tributes to Carter began on January 4 with a motorcade in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, symbolizing the deep connection the former president had with his roots and the community he served. Following the public funeral service in Washington, D.C., the Carter family will return to Plains for a private ceremony, ensuring that Carter's final farewell is intimate and reflective of his values.

Carter's legacy is not limited to his presidency; he authored 32 books and lived a modest life after leaving the White House. His post-presidential years were marked by efforts such as building homes with Habitat for Humanity and engaging in various humanitarian causes around the world. He often used his voice to advocate for global awareness and community service, living out the principles of compassionate leadership he espoused during his presidency.

The funeral will serve not only to commemorate Carter's life but also to reflect on his teachings, achievements, and the way he shaped public service. From promoting conservation efforts to participating in foreign policy discussions, Carter’s life exemplified a commitment to humanitarian values, setting a standard for future leaders.