Rosalynn Carter: Former first lady honored in private tribute service

Friends, family, members of Congress and Georgia elected officials gathered at the Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church in Atlanta on Tuesday afternoon for an invitation-only tribute service to remember former first lady Rosalynn Carter.

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Carter, 96, died in her hometown of Plains, Georgia, on Nov. 19, two days after The Carter Center announced she had entered home hospice care. She is survived by her husband of 77 years, former President Jimmy Carter, and several children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

President Carter and several family members attended Tuesday’s tribute service, with grandchildren serving as honorary pallbearers. One grandson and three of the Carters’ great-grandchildren read Scripture passages throughout the service.

Rosalynn Carter: Jimmy Carter to attend Tuesday’s memorial service

The tribute featured some of Rosalynn Carter’s favorite Scripture passages and songs. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, pianist David Osborne and Carter family friends Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood performed for mourners.

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Rosalynn Carter remembered at tribute service TV journalists report outside of the Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church ahead of a tribute service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter on November 28, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. The tribute service is expected to be attended by U.S. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Rosalynn Carter remembered at tribute service Members of a military honor guard arrive at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church ahead of a tribute service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter on November 28, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. The tribute service is expected to be attended by U.S. President Joe Bide, first lady Jill Biden U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Rosalynn Carter remembered at tribute service A guest looks at the program before a tribute service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Glenn Memorial Church at Emory University on November 28, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. (Pool/Getty Images)

Rosalynn Carter remembered at tribute service Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) (2nd L) and Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) arrive for a tribute service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church on November 28, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. The tribute service is expected to be attended by U.S. President Joe Bide, first lady Jill Biden U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and former former First Lady’s. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Rosalynn Carter remembered at tribute service Guests arrive before a tribute service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Glenn Memorial Church at Emory University on November 28, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. Every living first lady is expected to attend the service. (Pool/Getty Images)

Rosalynn Carter remembered at tribute service Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp arrives for a tribute service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at Emory University on November 28, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. Every living first lady is expected to attend the service. (Pool/Getty Images)

Rosalynn Carter remembered at tribute service Judy Woodruff of PBS NewsHour and her husband Al Hunt arrive for a tribute service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Glenn Memorial Church at Emory University on November 28, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. Every living first lady is expected to attend the service. (Pool/Getty Images)

Rosalynn Carter remembered at tribute service Former first lady Rosalynn Carter's grandchildren look on as her casket is carried into Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church for a tribute service on November 28, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. The service is expected to be attended by U.S. President Joe Bide, first lady Jill Biden U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and former First Lady’s. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Rosalynn Carter remembered at tribute service Members of former first lady Rosalynn Carter's family arrive at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church for her tribute service on November 28, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. The tribute service is expected to be attended by U.S. President Joe Bide, first lady Jill Biden U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and former First Lady’s. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Rosalynn Carter remembered at tribute service President Joe Biden arrives for a memorial service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at Emory University on November 28, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. Every living first lady are expected to attend the service. (Pool/Getty Images)

Rosalynn Carter remembered at tribute service Vice President Kamala Harris arrives for a memorial service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at Emory University on November 28, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. President Joe Biden and every living first lady are expected to attend the service. (Pool/Getty Images)

Rosalynn Carter remembered at tribute service Former first lady Michelle Obama arrives for a memorial service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at Emory University on November 28, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. President Joe Biden and every living first lady are expected to attend the service. (Pool/Getty Images)

Rosalynn Carter remembered at tribute service Former first lady Melania Trump arrives for a memorial service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at Emory University on November 28, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. President Joe Biden and every living first lady are expected to attend the service. (Pool/Getty Images)

Rosalynn Carter remembered at tribute service Former Secretary of State and first lady Hillary Clinton arrives for a memorial service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at Emory University on November 28, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. President Joe Biden and every living first lady are expected to attend the service. (Pool/Getty Images)

Rosalynn Carter remembered at tribute service James "Chip" Carter walks past the casket of his mother, former first lady Rosalynn Carter after he spoke at her tribute service at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at Emory University on November 28, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. President Joe Biden and every living first lady are expected to attend the service. (Pool/Getty Images)

Rosalynn Carter remembered at tribute service Kathryn Cade speaks at a tribute service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at Emory University on November 28, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. President Joe Biden and every living first lady are expected to attend the service. (Pool/Getty Images)

Rosalynn Carter remembered at tribute service Luella Bird Reynolds, great granddaughter of former first lady Rosalynn Carter, reads scripture at her tribute service at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at Emory University on November 28, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. President Joe Biden, former President Jimmy Carter and every living first lady are attending the service. (Pool/Getty Images)

Rosalynn Carter remembered at tribute service Journalist Judy Woodruff pauses at the casket after speaking at a tribute service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at Emory University on November 28, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. President Joe Biden and every living first lady are expected to attend the service. (Pool/Getty Images)

Rosalynn Carter remembered at tribute service Henry Lewis Carter, a great grandson of former first lady Rosalynn Carter, reads a scripture at her tribute service at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at Emory University on November 28, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. President Joe Biden and every living first lady are expected to attend the service. (Pool/Getty Images)

Rosalynn Carter remembered at tribute service Amy Carter touches the casket after speaking at a tribute service for her mother, former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at Emory University on November 28, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. President Joe Biden, former President Jimmy Carter and every living first lady are attending the service. (Pool/Getty Images)

Rosalynn Carter remembered at tribute service Jason Carter, grandson of former first lady Rosalynn Carter, walks past the casket after speaking at her tribute service at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at Emory University on November 28, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. President Joe Biden, former President Jimmy Carter and every living first lady are attending the service. (Pool/Getty Images)

Rosalynn Carter remembered at tribute service An armed forces body bearer team moves the casket of former first lady Rosalynn Carter into her tribute service at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at Emory University on November 28, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Rosalynn Carter, who passed away on November 19 at the age of 96, was married to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. In her lifetime she was an activist and writer known to be an advocate for the elderly, affordable housing, mental health, and the protection of monarch butterflies. President Joe Biden and every living first lady are expected to attend the service. (Pool/Getty Images)

Glenn Memorial’s pastor, the Rev. Mark Westmoreland, began the service by giving the call to worship and invocation. The Carters’ personal pastor, Pastor Tony Lowden, gave opening remarks before the Carters’ second eldest son, James Earl “Chip” Carter III, welcomed guests.

He credited his mother with saving his life after she got him help amid a struggle with drug and alcohol addiction, calling her the “glue that held our family together through the ups and downs and thicks and thins of our family’s politics.”

Daughter Amy Carter presented a reading and remembered her parents’ love for one another, reading from a letter President Carter wrote to his wife 75 years prior.

Tributes were also delivered by longtime aide and friend Kathryn Cade, journalist Judy Woodruff and grandson Jason Carter.

Rosalynn Carter: Biden, Harris will attend Atlanta memorial service for former first lady

Jason Carter remembered his grandmother as kind, down to Earth, caring and funny. He highlighted her work to reduce the stigma of mental illness.

“If you imagine just how far our society has come in the last five years on issues of mental health, and you think that she decided in 1970 to tackle the ancient stigma associated with mental illness, it is remarkable how far she could see and how far she was willing to walk,” he said.

Brooks and Yearwood performed “Imagine” toward the end of the service, which Lowden closed with a benediction.

Guests included President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and former first ladies Melania Trump, Michelle Obama, Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton.

Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentlemen Doug Emhoff were also in attendance.

Rosalynn Carter: Funeral for former first lady set for Nov. 29

Rosalynn Carter entered home hospice care on Nov. 17, nine months after her husband, the 99-year-old former president. The couple was married for 77 years before her death, marking the longest marriage of any presidential couple.

The tribute service Tuesday is scheduled one day before a planned funeral service for the first lady. The funeral procession will arrive just before 11 a.m. at the Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains ahead of a service for family and friends. At 12:30 p.m., the casket will be taken by hearse to the Carter family residence for a private interment, according to the Center.

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