Frail former President Jimmy Carter has joined thousands of people to bid his wife of over 70 years goodbye
Though not in the best mood, Carter didn’t miss his late wife Rosalynn’s memorial service on Tuesday — despite being confined to a wheelchair for the occasion.
The 39th US president, 99, was wheeled to his place in the front row at Glenn Memorial Church on the campus of Emory University in Atlanta — alongside guests of honor including President Biden and first lady Jill Biden.
Jimmy Carter’s custom-made suit tailored for the occasion was covered by a blanket bearing a picture of his late wife, to whom he had been married for 77 years.
“He’s coming to the end, and he’s very, very physically diminished,” his grandson Jason Carter told the New York Times ahead of the service.
“But I think he was proud and happy that he was there for her ’til the very end, and he wasn’t going to miss this for anything.”
Jason added that his grandfather “has been this moral rock for so many people,” but Rosalynn — who died Nov. 19 at the age of 96 — “really was the rock for him.”
“He’s glad he’s not going to miss it, but we’re all worried about him.”
The former president, who is 10 months into home hospice care and had not been seen in public since September, stayed Monday night at the Carter Center, CEO Paige Alexander said, steps from where the former first lady lay in repose.
“He never wants to be very far from her,” she said, adding: “He had a good night. He’s rested.”
She admitted the trip was “hard” for the 99-year-old, but said, “This is her last trip up and it’s probably his, too. … He’s determined.”
Tuesday’s memorial service was also attended by every living former first lady, including Melania Trump, Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, and Hillary Clinton.
Other attendees included Vice President Kamala Harris, second gentleman Doug Emhoff and former President Bill Clinton.
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
