Former President Jimmy Carter, who is 99 years old, has been in hospice care in his hometown of Plains, Georgia since February of last year. His grandson, Jason Carter, recently spoke at a forum and mentioned that his grandfather is doing alright, but acknowledged that the former president’s time is nearing its end. When Jimmy Carter passes away, his funeral will be the first for a Democratic president in 50 years.
State funerals for former presidents have been rare occurrences since 1973, with only four taking place, including those for Lyndon B. Johnson, Ronald Reagan, Gerald R. Ford, and George H.W. Bush. Richard Nixon, who died in 1994, had a smaller funeral at his presidential library at the request of his wife.
After a former president’s passing, the current president typically declares a National Day of Mourning and orders that all flags be flown at half-staff for 30 days. State presidential funerals last for five days and consist of ceremonies both in the state where the former president resided and in Washington, D.C.
The ceremonies in Washington, D.C. usually begin with the deceased president lying in state at the Capitol rotunda for public viewing. The funeral procession often travels down Pennsylvania Avenue, but may have variations based on the former president’s wishes.
The state funeral culminates in ceremonies at the Washington National Cathedral, where all surviving presidents and first ladies gather in solidarity. The final stage includes ceremonies in the state where the former president is buried, typically followed by a memorial and burial. Most former presidents choose to be buried in their home state, though some, like John F. Kennedy and William Howard Taft, have been laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.
