Why Former First Lady Michelle Obama Didn’t Attend Jimmy Carter’s Funeral – Details

A spokesperson for Mrs. Obama, Crystal Carson, confirmed her absence in a statement to People. “Former First Lady Michelle Obama is not in attendance at President Carter’s National Funeral Service,” Carson said. “Mrs. Obama sends her thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from the remarkable former President.”

While the official statement from her office focused on offering condolences to the Carter family, additional details emerged regarding her whereabouts on the day of the service. According to CNN’s Jeff Zeleny, Mrs. Obama had a scheduling conflict and was still on an extended holiday in Hawaii at the time of the funeral.

The former first lady’s absence was unexpected, considering her track record of paying respects at similar services. Both Barack and Michelle Obama have maintained a respectful relationship with the Carter family over the years. However, this time, Mrs. Obama was unable to adjust her plans to attend the funeral.

Mr. Carter’s death on December 29, 2024, marked the end of a remarkable life of public service. The 39th president of the United States passed away peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family. He was 100 years old, making him the longest-lived president in American history.

The Carter Center announced his passing in a statement from Atlanta, recognizing his extensive contributions to the nation and the world. Carter was known not only for his time in the White House but also for his post-presidency humanitarian work, which earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

The former U.S. president is survived by his children — Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy — along with 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. His family, in their grief, emphasized the enduring impact of his values.

“My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” said his son, Chip Carter. “The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.”

His death was met with a national outpouring of condolences and reflections on his legacy as a leader devoted to integrity, compassion, and global peace.

Following Mr. Carter’s demise, former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama shared a heartfelt tribute via Medium on December 30. They reflected on the former president’s legacy and the profound influence he had on those around him.

The tribute recalled Carter’s tradition of teaching Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. Despite his status as a former president, Carter remained deeply connected to his community.

“For decades, you could walk into Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia on some Sunday mornings and see hundreds of tourists from around the world crammed into the pews. And standing in front of them, asking with a wink if there were any visitors that morning, would be President Jimmy Carter — preparing to teach Sunday school, just like he had done for most of his adult life,” the statement read.

President Obama acknowledged that Jimmy’s lasting legacy was his character. “Elected in the shadow of Watergate, Jimmy Carter promised voters that he would always tell the truth. And he did — advocating for the public good, consequences be damned,” Obama wrote.

“Whenever I had a chance to spend time with President Carter, it was clear that he didn’t just profess these values. He embodied them. And in doing so, he taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service.”

President Obama highlighted that Mr. Carter’s true legacy was rooted in his character. He noted that Jimmy, elected after the Watergate scandal, assured the public he would always be honest — a promise he kept, even when it came at a cost.

Obama further reflected that during their interactions, it was evident that Jimmy lived by the principles he preached, demonstrating grace, dignity, fairness, and a commitment to serving others through his actions.

In closing their tribute, the Obamas offered their prayers to the Carter family and all who had been touched by his life. “Maranatha Baptist Church will be a little quieter on Sundays, but President Carter will never be far away — buried alongside Rosalynn next to a willow tree down the road, his memory calling all of us to heed our better angels.”

The 39th U.S. president’s funeral brought together some of the most prominent figures in American politics. Former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama were all present at the service, alongside President-elect Donald Trump. Their attendance highlighted the respect Mr. Carter commanded across political divides.

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden were also in attendance, along with Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton joined her husband, Bill Clinton, while Laura Bush accompanied her husband, George W. Bush. Melania Trump attended the service alongside her husband, Donald Trump.

The emotional heart of the service came when Jimmy’s grandson, Joshua Carter, delivered a touching tribute to the former president’s lifelong commitment to faith and public service. His opening remarks highlighted his grandfather’s dedication to his Sunday school class at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia.

“He taught the Bible every Sunday from World War II to Covid,” Joshua said, emphasizing how his grandfather prioritized teaching his faith above all else. He explained how Jimmy structured his life around his Sunday school lessons, ensuring he was home to teach regardless of his global commitments.

Joshua recounted stories that highlighted his grandfather’s deep commitment to service. He shared that before starting his Sunday school lesson, his grandfather would reflect on his week — whether it involved overseeing an election, resolving a conflict, or helping to eradicate a disease in a community or country.

The most poignant moment of Joshua’s speech came when he recounted a deeply personal memory. “And when my brother died,” Joshua continued, “he announced that news in Sunday school, and in fact I remember that my brother died on a Sunday because it was the only time my grandfather was ever late to teach.”

Joshua reflected on his grandfather’s enduring mission to help those in need. “He built houses for people who needed homes, he eliminated diseases in forgotten places. He waged peace, anywhere in the world. Wherever he saw a chance. He loved people.”

The tribute closed with a reminder of the spiritual foundation that drove Jimmy Carter’s lifelong service. “And whenever he told these stories in Sunday school, he always did it for one simple reason: He worshiped the Prince of Peace and he commanded it.”

While Michelle Obama’s absence at the service sparked curiosity, the presence of other world leaders and dignitaries emphasized the significance of the occasion. The national funeral service was a testament to the late U.S. president’s profound impact on both the nation and the world. His legacy of peace, service, and compassion continues to inspire leaders and ordinary citizens alike.