Jimmy Carter ceremonies updates: Former president to remain in Atlanta through Tuesday

Carter's body was driven from his hometown of Plains to Atlanta on Saturday.

The emotional, week-long public goodbye to former President Jimmy Carter is underway.

Carter's body was transferred from his hometown of Plains, Georgia, to Atlanta on Saturday. The former president, who died on Dec. 29 at the age of 100, will remain in Atlanta through Tuesday.


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'The two of them together changed the world'

Former President Jimmy Carter's son Chip Carter thanked his parents for their service and sacrifice at Saturday's service at the Carter Presidential Center.

"The two of them together changed the world," he said, overcome with emotion.

Chip Carter called out the caregivers who cared for his father in the last years of his life, including one caregiver attending Saturday's service who spent 6 years working for the former president.

"They are the people that helped keep him alive and comfortable and fed and cleaned," Chip Carter said. "It was amazing, what they did for us."

He also shared memories from his childhood.

Chip Carter said when he failed Latin, his dad spent Christmas break learning Latin and teaching it to him. Chip Carter said when he returned to school, he asked to re-take the test and got an A.


'His legacy will live on,' grandson says

At a service at the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta, former President Jimmy Carter’s grandson Jason Carter said the family has been planning for this day for a while, but it’s still difficult.

To the Carter Center employees, he said, "While we mourn my grandfather’s passing, I know in my heart -- and you all do -- that his legacy will live on not only because of the millions of people he touched across the globe," but because of the tireless work of the Carter Center employees.

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter founded the Carter Center after his presidency to improve health around the world and enhance freedom and democracy.


Hearse arrives at Carter Presidential Center

Former President Jimmy Carter’s motorcade has arrived at the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta for a 4 p.m. service.

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"Hail to the Chief" and “America the Beautiful” were played as his coffin was brought to the building, with the Carter family looking on.

Carter’s son Chip Carter and grandson Jason Carter are expected to speak.

President Carter is survived by four children -- John William (Jack), James Earl III (Chip), Donnel Jeffrey (Jeff) and Amy Lynn -- and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His wife of 77 years, Rosalynn, died on Nov. 19, 2023, at age 96.


Motorcade stops at Georgia's state capitol

The motorcade’s first stop in Atlanta is Georgia’s state capitol, where former President Jimmy Carter will be honored with a moment of silence.

Carter served as governor of Georgia and a state senator before becoming the 39th president.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens are among the officials at the capitol to pay their respects. The president's son Jack Carter and grandson Jason Carter briefly exited the car to shake officials' hands.

Georgia state troopers who were on Carter’s protective detail during his time as governor also attended.