Former first lady Michelle Obama was not present at former President Jimmy Carter's funeral on Thursday due to "scheduling conflicts," according to journalist Jeff Zeleny.
Newsweek reached out to Obama's press contacts via her website and email for comment.
Why It Matters
Carter, the 39th president of the United States, will be laid to rest today following a series of ceremonies honoring his life and service. The former president died on December 29 at the age of 100.
He will have a final day of events that reflect his unique legacy, which he had planned before his passing. The schedule includes public and private funerals in Washington, D.C., and Plains, Georgia, culminating in a private interment ceremony. President Joe Biden, an early supporter of Carter's 1976 campaign, will deliver the eulogy at the Washington National Cathedral.
What To Know
Zeleny told CNN that Michelle Obama had a scheduling conflict and is "still in Hawaii." The Obamas typically visit Hawaii during the holiday season.
A spokeswoman for Obama told The New York Times that the former first lady is "not in attendance at President Carter's National Funeral Service."
"Mrs. Obama sends her thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from the remarkable former president," the spokeswoman said.
Biden and his wife, first lady Jill Biden, are sitting next to Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff at the funeral.
Behind Emhoff and Harris are President-elect Donald Trump and incoming first lady Melania Trump. Obama's husband, former President Barack Obama, is next to the president-elect, accompanied by former President George Bush and former first lady Laura Bush, as well as former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Today's ceremonies for Carter will conclude in his hometown, Plains, Georgia, where he will be buried beside his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Carter, who passed away in 2023. Together, the Carters had long planned their modest resting place in Plains, where they began their lives together on a peanut farm.
What People Are Saying
Vice President Kamala Harris praised Carter's commitment to service and humility during a Capitol ceremony earlier this week, calling him "that all-too-rare example of a gifted man who also walks with humility, modesty and grace."
President Joe Biden, in a statement: "To all of the young people in this nation and for anyone in search of what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning – the good life – study Jimmy Carter, a man of principle, faith, and humility. He showed that we are a great nation because we are a good people – decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong."
President-elect Donald Trump, on Truth Social: "Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History.
What's Next
Following the funeral service at the Washington National Cathedral, Carter's remains will depart for Georgia. There will be an invitation-only funeral at Marantha Baptist Church this afternoon, and a U.S. Navy flyover will honor Carter's military service at 5:20 p.m.
Follow our Jimmy Carter funeral live blog to stay up-to-date with the latest developments, heartfelt tributes and key moments.
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