Jimmy Carter makes rare appearance at wife's tribute service

Former first lady Rosalynn Carter will be laid to rest Wednesday following a memorial service Tuesday attended by her husband Jimmy Carter, in a rare public appearance since entering hospice care. NBC’s Blayne Alexander reports for TODAY.
» Subscribe to TODAY: on.today.com/SubscribeToTODAY
» Watch the latest from TODAY: bit.ly/LatestTODAY
About: TODAY brings you the latest headlines and expert tips on money, health and parenting. We wake up every morning to give you and your family all you need to start your day. If it matters to you, it matters to us. We are in the people business. Subscribe to our channel for exclusive TODAY archival footage & our original web series.
Connect with TODAY Online!
Visit TODAY's Website: on.today.com/ReadTODAY
Find TODAY on Facebook: on.today.com/LikeTODAY
Follow TODAY on Twitter: on.today.com/FollowTODAY
Follow TODAY on Instagram: on.today.com/InstaTODAY
» Stream TODAY All Day: www.today.com/allday
About: TODAY All Day is a 24/7 streaming channel bringing you the top stories in news and pop culture, celebrity interviews, cooking, and more. All in one place.
#jimmycarter #rosalynncarter #news

[@EvanS.05]

Poor Jimmy, I cannot imagine how hard this must be on him considering his age and health. My condolences.

[@user-bw8bk9wc4f]

That was my first thought! Such a terrific lady not only to her husband, children, family, our country. God Bless all the Carter's and everyone who loved First Lady Carter.

[@alma6768]

Don't worry - he has no idea what's going on. As a matter of fact, I think he's already with her... sadly, it looks like rigor mortis has set in.

[@kelvinsurname7051]

​@alma6768 that is incorrect, the Carts stated that he is fully aware and he wanted to attend memorial service, he told his family.

[@kelvinsurname7051]

@alma6768 that is what the Carters said a couple of days ago. They said that he really wants attend the memorial service, he might be weak, but the time he is awake he is aware of his surroundings.

[@EvanS.05]

@@alma6768 Pretty sure he's still alive, not in good shape but he sure isn't dead.

[@marieboutin9054]

It is so sad to see Jimmy Carter like this. My mum was born in 1924 like him. She passed away ten years ago, like my father. Rosalynn Carter was a very good person. Bless them.

[@anabelcowan96]

Is chock me to see the decade off the human body and making the next step to death. I remember him traveling to Latin America to observe the Presidential elections and avoid fraud. Exactly what is happening in America.

[@ebonyblue]

May Mrs Carter's soul now rest in peace. May Pres Carter find strength in their love.

[@johndfw8680]

Agreed. I wish I hadn’t seen Jimmy Carter like that. God Bless them both.

[@joralemonvirgincreche]

I'm grateful I saw President Carter like this. Grateful because he insisted on making the long journey to be at the service. His presence there shows us what love and honor are. It was a beautiful thing to see.

[@wl2977]

indeed. I hope I will never live like him now. Sometimes living too long is not a good thing...

[@jamesadams2333]

The carters really are kind people. I wish there was more people like them. I send my condolences to their family during this difficult time.

[@SamLawls]

I'm tearing up. The Carters are a wonderful example of what we all should aspire to be.

[@valsainking]

SamLawls, I couldn't agree more. Beautifully put! A lifelong devotion to public service such as theirs is the best example anyone could ever aspire to follow! I shall miss both President and Mrs. Carter dearly.💔💔😢😢

[@tiffanycurtis4794]

And the fact that everybody should hopefully find a love like this they may not be 77 years long as they get 70 something minutes in this dating generation is a miracle🤣🤣🤣

[@charliebrown5611]

Nailed it Sam.

[@jarrodyuki7081]

therye isfjs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! si fe.

[@Toonces88X]

We should all aspire to be terrible presidents?

[@ladyliberty5771]

They'll be together again soon. Bless them, their hearts, and humility. Amazing model set for us all.

[@Spiritdove64]

they go back to mother earth were we all came from

[@jarrodyuki7081]

theyre isfj!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Toonces88X]

FJB!!!!

[@lvvett1]

@@Toonces88X FDT ❄

[@ladyliberty5771]

@@Toonces88X and you too, dear, bless your tiny heart!

[@karyannfontaine8757]

A stunning and well deserved service for our former First Lady, Rosalynn Carter. A fine lady who tried to make the world a better place. Condolences to former President Jimmy Carter, Amy, Chip, relatives and friends.

[@Ausgar-yc1yl]

They had 3 sons.

[@kaydavis8587]

​@@Ausgar-yc1yl...and 1 girl. Amy.😊

[@Ausgar-yc1yl]

@@kaydavis8587 Yes.

[@OverYou-tr5ok]

What was her relationship with God. That's more important than anything else because this life is temporary eternity is forever.

[@karyannfontaine8757]

@@OverYou-tr5ok I agree with you and I think they were devout, do you?

[@vengaboys5420]

Cant we just have respect for Jimmy Carter? He is 99, I hope that he still has some joy in his life. He is a really inspiring person, his wife was too. Is there sadness in a 99 year old acting like a 99 year old? He was born exactly 20 years before my Grandmother,my Grandmother died ten years ago. He is an old man who has lived a good and fulfilling life. When he leaves this earth I hope that he looks forward to meeting his wife again, until then I hope that his children and grand children are able to bring joy and happiness to his life.

[@user-nz5wf3qm5y]

She Waits Him On Heaven

[@donaldring4650]

@@user-nz5wf3qm5y Evidence? Jimbo HATED God's chosen and LOVED the Palestinians ... do you not know anything?

[@superfly3990]

It would have been nice for Jackson Brown to have sung "Rosie" and dedicated it to The Carters.

[@EpicAndrew97]

I just hope he makes it to 100

[@nberrios777]

He is a strong supporter of today’s evil democrats party so I seriously doubt that he is going any where pleasant.

[@gailthompson9005]

My heart aches for President Carter. I believe he has held on to see her through.

[@cherylbenton7107]

Watching this and thinking about what gracious and warm humanitarians the Carters were, made me weep...not only for the passing of a truly wonderful first lady ,but also for our country, which has lost so many of the qualities the Carters embodied in their hearts. Remembering her in gratitude. ❤

[@justsaying5837]

Mrs Roslynn was the true definition of a Southern lady. She was compassionate, caring, always serving God and man with all humbleness. Gods grace upon mr Carter and his family. Much love and respect for them both. 🙏

[@jwbuckmiller82jb]

Jimmy and Rosalyn are/were amazing people. They did so much good in the world. Many people have a place to love due to the work they did with Habitat for Humanity. The world is a lesser place without her.

[@valsainking]

💔💔💔💯💯💯🙏🙏🙏

[@stacybishop3484]

So sad to see him so sick. 77 years married though! What an accomplishment! They did a lot of good in this world. RIP to a great lady

[@LunazulBaraka]

77 years married, he is 99

[@stacybishop3484]

@@LunazulBaraka that’s what I said

[@LunazulBaraka]

@@stacybishop3484 ah! 🫠😁

[@BenNgo]

"We also welcome your lovely husbands": It's wonderful that on a sad occasion like this, there is still a little charming moment of lighthearted joy in the speeches and audience reactions. I'm sure, Rosalynn was delighted to watch this from high above.

[@MundiaKamau]

Loved that bit of humour too from Chip Carter. Actually sendoffs should be a mixture of solemnity and celebration, a celebration of the departed and his or her life. Chip Carter was celebrating Rosalynn Carter and the moment by adding a touch of wit and humour to the ceremony. As you put it, Mrs. Carter would have wanted that. Best Regards, Michael M. Kamau, Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa, 2nd December 2023.

[@BenNgo]

I totally agree with you @@MundiaKamau

[@KingJackson11355]

These comments on the video are very immature talking about how Mr Carter looks. He’s an elderly man on hospice who’s almost 100 who just lost his wife. Show some respect

[@fifermcgee5971]

Touche,. Good manner and respect have lost their way in this day and age.

[@tothelighthouse9843]

All those bots' comments have been downvoted to oblivion. All the top comments on this video now are lovely words of appreciation & farewell for Rosalynn & best wishes for the family. The rude idiots always rush to get their comments in first, but the kind & decent people are having the final word here. Bless the Carters, a lovely couple & family, & examples to us all of how to live lives of purpose & compassion.

[@crushsatan]

I think it’s normal to be shocked or even troubled at seeing his condition; especially if one had been unaware of how old he actually had gotten. I think it’s good that people say something.

[@crushsatan]

@@tothelighthouse9843 those comments are not necessarily bots. Humans have a range of emotions. I think the praise comments are more likely to be bots. Not that the praise is unwarranted; but why would bots say something negative?

[@gwendolynmarlowe3372]

Exactly, Ignorance is so ablis in some people😢

[@maryhughes7642]

One of our finest First Ladies.

[@theshapeexists]

Carter is one of the only presidents i actually like. Hes had a good ling life. My condolences to him and his family.

[@VitalityMassage]

I liked them all except the Trump freak.

[@theshapeexists]

@@VitalityMassage I loved Trump. TRUMP 2024. BIDEN IS AWFUL

[@Anti-terrorist3112]

​@@VitalityMassagetalking about freaks....why is Michael Obama seated with the ladies?

[@paulinewilliam1178]

God bless the Carters. My condolences to President Carter and his extended family from the people of the Caribbean. Honorable people like the president and his late wife are rare these days.

[@fifermcgee5971]

Correct, imagine how much better the entire world would be if we followed the Carter's example. Loved your comment.

[@daren7889]

President Jimmy Carter is a graduate of the US Naval Academy, a Nyclear Engineer, and a Submariner. He is definitely one of the "Few Good Men" and an "Officer and a Gentleman"! Our Navy family salutes you Mr.Carter! 🥰🤗🥰⚓⛵⚓🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊💙

[@daren7889]

Nuclear

[@MVOV2000]

My heartfelt condolences to President Carter and his family!! I cry when I watch the service! President and Mrs. Carter, true examples of Kindness, Leadership, Devotion and Love

[@thermisgoddessofjustice8032]

Heartbreaking to see this Giant of humanity , President Carter ,,May God bless the love of his life.and & bless your remaining days with us,,🙏🙏🙏

[@esimmons3519]

Such an inspiration to see true love and devotion. Mr. Carter there for his wife until the very end. God bless him dearly during this difficult time.

[@joralemonvirgincreche]

Absolutely. His presence there was inspiring. Love, devotion, and honor. This is what true love looks like!

[@donaldring4650]

Jimbo HATED God's chosen people ... he LOVED the Palestinians ... do you not know anything?

[@tomscerbo1588]

My Prayers& condolences go out to the Carter family! RIP Mrs Carter Amen!🙏😇😇🌹❤️😅

[@carollangendorf8569]

God bless him .and the family.

[@daren7889]

Rosalynn and Princess Diana are two very special women! The world was such a CARING place because they both graced us with their presence! RIP Rosalynn and Diana! 🥰🥰🤗🤗😇😇

[@asthecrowflies737]

It was a privilege for this poor, abused old planet Earth to have such selfless, giving people on it as Jimmy and Roselynn Carter. It should be a surprise to no one that he was at her funeral.

[@daren7889]

The Carters are members of the "Greatest Generation"! IMHO! 🥰🥰🤗🤗😇😇

[@salvatoredinunzio4137]

My condolences to president Jim Cater. For the loss of his wife. She will always be remembered as a great honest woman who was there for her husband and her country…. May God’s grace bless her soul and comfort her new journey back home.

[@gloriahohman2790]

❤ Bless this sweet, loving caring woman.

[@tonyfrancois4009]

My sincere condolences to the Carter Family. I had the privilege of singing for Mr and Mrs Carter, and their host, president Kenneth Kaunda, when they visited South Africa in the early nineties, to do some humanitarian work. I'll never forget the occasion!. It was at an old, humble Congregational Church in Durban, SA. All the media and bodyguards standing at attention at all entrances, reminded me of a movie set. Definitely one of the highlights of my life.! So long Mrs Carter. R I P

[@pangmeister]

Both married to the 90s. I say they are very blessed.

[@chrisyung4055]

All leaders should act like this couple. May she RIP

[@cedricliggins7528]

My favorite First Lady. RIP

[@hansvinck4784]

I'm Dutch, but I admired the Carters since Jimmy Carter became President of the United States. I'm sad hearing that Rosalyn has died. May she rest in peace😢

[@KA-eu9sy]

I hope he leaves soon too. To join her. 77 years happily married. Must be tough on him right now. : (

[@billybrown7953]

LOL 😂, like he even knows where he's at.

[@Anthony-gw3dc]

​@@billybrown7953Democrats are so cold-hearted they don't care if a person is 20 minutes from death they will use them to any advantage they can

[@marknystrom1984]

Given his condition. I believe that's a real possibility, It was about 9 months between when Bush 41 and his wife passed away. I won't be surprised if We spend this Christmas morning a lost President.

[@Ibhenriksen]

He is in his final stages of Alzheimer's. He's unaware.

[@tamigma316]

​@Ibhenriksen He's in hospice for cancer, his wife had alzheimer. He's very aware of what's going on. When she passed, he asked that his bed be moved closer to hers & asked everyone to leave so he could have a few moments with her alone. Nice tribute to a caring 1st lady. Rest In Peace Mrs Carter.

[@Hhopiuygv]

77 years God bless

[@user-qv7vi2ls6j]

Mrs Roslynn Carter illustrated caring and compassion to people that were less fortunate, rosylynn an amazing human being and humanitarian, thank you for your leadership and your service. RIP Mrs Roslynn Carter.

[@AlanStevens-hm1ni]

I love Jimmy Carter. Im sure he will be beside her soon.

[@lynnshaw5068]

Such a beautiful couple. To the family, thank you for your service to all of us for so many years. From our family to yours, many blessings to all.❤

[@mattanderson861]

Rest in peace, First Lady. You exuded class.

[@tjrex6702]

Such decent, genuine people like these two are truely what we HUMAN beings are supposed to be were very, very rare back in their day in the 1970's when we first met them and certainly almost extinct in the present day! God Bless them both and may Rosalynn Carter's soul rest in peace. Amen.

[@Gudi102]

Such an incredible couple. The may pass but their legacy is forever. What an example for all of us. They will soon be together again. God Bless them!

[@ernestgamez9794]

God bless both of them. R.I.P First Lady Rosallynn Carter.

[@ercieberwick1513]

My husband and I stayed in the only B&B in Plains, GA. twice and had the privilege and honor of worshiping with the Carters at Marinatha Baptist Church and greeting them afterwards. One of those times, we had a little grandson with us. He stood between the Carters as he had his picture taken. What a thrill that was for him!

[@Terry-hm4bs]

I had gotten to meet President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter as they walked the parade route. I prefer to remember them that way. My sympathy to former President Jimmy Carter and his family. May God bless him and his family in this distracted country of ours.

[@eileenworth7862]

God bless them. All heart and class. Forgive any awful commenters here. They know not what they do.

[@kenzierocks1240]

Sad part is, the ones who make such awful comments, do know what they do…they just…don’t…care!! He’s 99 YO and isn’t doing well so how did some people expect him, realistically, to look, at his age and under Hospice care? He insisted on being at her services and it was his right to be there and I give him credit for it. He probably willed himself to live, to see her through, to the end. His physical presence was the last loving gesture he could offer his dear wife, the love of his life. George Bush was at his wife’s, Barbara Bush, funeral service. He was in a wheelchair and unwell. He only lived 7 months after her death.

[@cathy5070]

Hard to see him like this.He is a truly good man and would never given into to the corruption surrounding the presidency. UPMOST RESPECT TO BOTH.

[@beverleydabell3241]

How sad to see this great man looking so frail. 77years of marriage is so incredible. God Bless you Jimmy Carter. My sincere condolences to all of Rosalynn and Jimmy's family and friends. RIP xx 😪💔🙏

[@RichardSena-mi8lk]

Bless your ♥ mr carter

[@maureencora1]

May She R.I.P. God Bless Jimmy Carter.

[@stevenruiz6507]

Best couple and example of how to be in the world . Rest in peace.

[@bettybersig9070]

Peace & Love to former President Carter.♥️☮️ Sorry for the loss of your wife & best friend😔Blessings & comfort to him😁🖐️🌹

[@alexachenbach821]

So sorry for yo7r Jimmy Carter. Prayers for your prayers ❤😢

[@Auberjyne]

Rest in Power, Mrs. Rosalynn Carter!😭💔

[@MarkM58]

Jimmy was the arguably one of the worst presidents we've had. But they are the BEST former first couple we have ever had. Just good, down-to-earth people.

[@condorc72]

He almost ruined America

[@kathrynmolesa1641]

She was a lovely beautiful lady.

[@ElizabethBecknell-cl8dd]

The most beautiful woman inside and out

[@jeromedavid7944]

"Well done my good and faithful servant. Enter into now thy eternal rest!"

[@kerrynicholls6683]

Who are you to speak for God?

[@jeromedavid7944]

@kerrynicholls6683 Ease up Caiaphas I was just sharing a abbreviated citing of the Lord's Word(Matt 25:23) with the masses. When is the last time you witnessed for Christ? The pure humble morality of the Carter Administration should be celebrated. The former First Lady and her loving spouse have been prime examples of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ practiced more than preached! No doubt two of the most righteous White House Residents in US history! May she rest in peace and the eternal joy with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

[@Lisa-tt9hm]

He won't last long after his soul mate passed. Love like that is precious beyond words. ❤ 😢

[@elizabethm888]

The Carters were truly steadfast humanitarians 😢

[@kristie825]

It WAS hard to see him like this. But it was beautiful that he DID attend to honor and respect the memory of the love of his life. They were grateful for the many decades they were able to share together. I am honored that they shared that love and mutual respect with us and the rest of the world - they worked together in service for this country and its people. They weren't simply mouthpieces, dictating to us how we should treat each other and how we should serve our nation. They SHOWED us how by example. They showed us what love, mutual respect, and dedication can accomplish ❤

[@bettybelongia7213]

😢😢❤love. Prayers

[@maddieharr7211]

What a great and long life lived

[@stephentresca3536]

Rest in Peace Rosalynn Carter. God bless Jimmy Carter.

[@inesfabelo1809]

ADORABLE PAREJA SIEMPRE UNIDOS Y EXTRAORDINARIO PREDIDENTE Y PRIMERA DAMA SIRVIERON CON MUCHO AMOR Y DEDICACIÓN A TODOS LOS CIUDADANOS DE NUESTRA NACIÓN..DESCANSA EN.PAZ ROSALYN CARTER.

[@bonniejohnston7305]

Former President Carter and I were on "opposite" sides of the isle, however, I was deeply touched at his appearance at his wife's memorial service. Initially, I thought, "Oh why did the family allow this"? While President Carter is obviously nearing the end of his journey on this side of the sun, I must think that he was cognitively able to convey to his family..."I must be there". 🥹

[@stevengarvey7281]

Truly a great woman.married to a peace loving man! We (Americans) will always love the Carter family♥️!

[@glynnakina6841]

I love the Carter's and always believed in President Carter as who instilled Love, Peace, Compassion,Humility. He is one of my most favorite and respected human beings. Along every great man is a greater woman. Thank you , Rosalyn Carter, your beauty in and out is greatly appreciated. There are rewards with our Gracious God Almighty.

[@c.rutherford]

Devastating even for someone in good health, and Jimmy is in hospice. At least he has his family and the support of the community as well as his faith.

[@drlecter8145]

RIP DEAR DEAR LADY..

[@stillyoutom]

What a great human!!!

[@misdemeanor1129]

My heart goes out to MR Carter lose of a wife is pain one never gets over .

[@Alicious_Al]

God Bless The Carter’s. ❤ 💐🕊️

[@rama7000]

God bless 🙌 🙏 teared up looking at our former president Mr.Carter

[@SleepyArcticBirds-ft4lb]

RIP🙏❤️

[@MundiaKamau]

Rest in Peace, Mrs. Carter. Best Regards, Michael M. Kamau, Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa, 2nd December 2023.

[@tjrex6702]

Also, congratulations to them on their longevity of life and marriage! Considering the life expectancy of males in the U.S. is 73.5 years and for females 79.3 years and their marriage lasted 77.5 years, I'd say that Jimmy and Rosalynn did pretty well for themselves! God Bless them forever. 🌹🌹

[@nathanielhermanson6987]

In my opinion, I believe that life expectancy for males is 78 and females at 83.

[@JungleYT]

*Best short segment I've seen covering funeral. Others didn't even show good shot of Carter...*

[@ShellyBomb]

Blessings and condolences to the entire Carter family ... 🕊️ 🙏🕊️

[@MaryEverling]

RIP Mrs Carter! 🙏❤️

[@RogueBurn]

Humanitarians, peaceful, and before their time. We all should take lessons from the Carters. Especially now during such a tumultuous time.

[@jspideythomas]

Like them or not, this is an example of how to conduct yourself both as a presidential and ex-presidential team. 77 years of marriage to the same person, active in your church, helping to build Habitat for Humanity housing well past your 90th birthday, mental health advocacy, just to name a few.

[@giulioderobertis545]

The greatest first Lady ❤

[@monicahyland8641]

She was a truly beautiful woman

[@patriciaboone2312]

RIP Rosalynn Carter

[@carlcarlson1369]

Now that is a marriage may God bless them

[@chrismcpherson1204]

I didn't realize how Former president Jimmy Carter has declined in health. We are all given so many heartbeats 💓 So enjoy your life and live it full because that last heartbeat may be closer than you think. 🇺🇸

[@user-nz5wf3qm5y]

Rosalyn Was The True Definition Of A Southern American Women She Was Kind Compassionate Caring And Loyal Serving God And His Man

[@drew6116]

What did you think Hospice care is?

[@305mom7]

While I am not religious it was plain to see the Carter's doing the Lord's work bwo service to others & making this would a better place for all those who benefited from their love.

[@mrmoon1482]

So sad but also amazing that jimmy is still around and attending her service,

[@marymargaretmoore9034]

God bless Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter.

[@Wizardof]

He has OUTLIVED HENRY KISSINGER!!! Jimmy is THE MAN.

[@nathanielhermanson6987]

Carter also outlive Rosalynn, his wife.

[@stephen13697]

God Bless ❤

[@edysmith9758]

Bless you Jimmy Carter.

[@beethovensbeloved]

This is the presidential couple that I've admired and respected the most for their eternal love, and for the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project for which they volunteered for nearly 40 years. Requiescat In Pace sweet lady.

[@linachavez2928]

My deepest Condolences to Rosalyn lots of Respect so much Respect to you ex President Carter. I send lots of Sympathy, Compassion and Courage your way.

[@danieltaylor4819]

It's very nice that President Carter was able to attend his wife's service. Unfortunately, it appears that he will be joining her very soon. Prayers for their family.

[@keithlewis4250]

Doesn't look like Jimmy has much longer R.I.P. Rosalynn.

[@nathanielhermanson6987]

He does not look like he should live 5 years longer.

[@randymorgan8375]

It won't be long Jimmy, will be joining her" god bless them..

[@michaelpolyakov3970]

I am really sorry for this old guy.

[@jeanniemainzer8551]

I’m not.

[@thanhquangnguyen4247]

My condolences

[@charliebrown5611]

Poor Jimmy. First in his class at Annapolis. Not the best president but an honest one.