Why was Michelle Obama missing from Jimmy Carter's funeral?

President Jimmy Carter's State Funeral was hosted on January 9th, with various heads of state in attendance. All five living presidents attended the funeral accompanied by their first ladies, all except for Michelle Obama. 

It appears that Michelle had a scheduling conflict that prevented her from attending the service. According to an anonymous source who spoke to The New York Times, Michelle was in Hawaii and couldn't make it to the funeral. 

Still, she sent her condolences to the Carter family. Her spokeswoman, Crystal Carson, shared a statement saying that Michelle sent “her thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from the remarkable former president." 

The State Funeral was attended by President Biden and Dr. Jill Biden, with the President delivering a eulogy. It was also attended by Barack Obama, President-elect Donald Trump and Melania Trump, Bill Clinton and Hillary Rodham Clinton, and George W. Bush and Laura Bush. 

Obama and Trump sat next to each other, with footage of the two chatting and laughing going viral on social media. 

Michelle's relationship with the Carter family

Michelle Obama appeared to have a great relationship with the Carter family, particularly with Rosalynn Carter, who was the country's First Lady from 1977 to 1981. 

Jimmy Carter passed away on December 29th, at the age of 100. He was the longest-living President in US history. 

Rosalynn Carter died in 2023, at the age of 96, with Michelle and the country's living First Ladies attending her funeral. Following her death, Michelle shared some of her favorite memories with Rosalynn, revealing that the two developed a strong bond based on their experiences as First Ladies. 

“When our family was in the White House, every so often, Rosalynn would join me for lunch, offering a few words of advice and always — always — a helping hand,” wrote Michelle in a statement on social media. 

“She reminded me to make the role of First Lady my own, just like she did. I’ll always remain grateful for her support and her generosity.”