Former First Ladies, including Melania Trump, Michelle Obama, pay tribute at Rosalyn Carter’s memorial service

Former First Ladies Melania Trump, Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton and others were among those invited to Rosalyn Carter’s memorial service to pay their respects to the ‘Steel Magnolia’.

On November 19, Rosalynn died at the age of 96. She shared over 77 years of marriage to President Jimmy Carter, serving as his devoted companion throughout.

The procession carrying Carter’s casket moved through her hometown of Sumter County, drawing hundreds of mourners to say goodbye. The motorcade made stops in Plains, their hometown, and Georgia Southwestern College, where she graduated in 1946. Two funerals are planned for the former first lady—one in Atlanta on Tuesday and another in Plains on Wednesday.

Today’s memorial service was attended by various dignitaries and politicians, including President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.

Highlighted below are some of the attendees at today’s memorial service, offering reflections on Jimmy Carter’s late wife and the lasting legacy she leaves behind.

Obama, Biden and Clinton

Arriving alongside current President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden and Bill and Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama, along with these dignitaries, attended to pay tribute to Jimmy Carter’s wife and recognize their shared legacy.

President Carter, mourning the loss of his wife, made his first public appearance in nearly a year and chose not to address the gathering during the service.

Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama, dressed in black for the occasion with her hair in a high ponytail, had previously written a heartfelt tribute following Mrs Carter’s death. She shared a photo of the two during their time at the White House.

Reflecting on their connection, Obama expressed, “When our family was in the White House, every once in a while, Rosalyn would join me for lunch, offering some advice and always — always — a helping hand. It reminded me of doing The role of First Lady is mine, and so is she. I will always be grateful for her support and generosity.”

Melania Trump

Melania Trump was also photographed at the funeral in a gray coat walking alongside the Obamas, the Clintons and First Lady Laura Bush. Despite the differences of opinion between their spouses, he wrote a tribute to Carter after her death was announced, praising her for her support of President Carter.

“She leaves behind an important legacy in her work to destigmatize mental health,” he wrote. “We join our fellow citizens in sending our condolences to President Carter and his family.”

Jill Biden

During the ceremony, First Lady Jill Biden made a solemn appearance. President Biden delivered a statement on behalf of his family in response to Mrs. Carter’s death, saying, “On behalf of a grateful nation, we send our love to the entire Carter family and to the countless people whose lives are better, fuller and brighter. because of Rosalyn Carter.”

Hillary Clinton

In a heartfelt tribute, Hillary Clinton shared her deep relationship with Mrs Carter, saying they had been friends for 40 years. Clinton expressed, “Rosalyn Carter will forever be remembered as the embodiment of a life of purpose. I am grateful for more than 40 years of friendship and thought today to President Carter, her family and all the many people who loved her,” in a text message.

Laura Bush

Laura Bush, wife of George W. Bush, also shared a statement. “We are saddened by the passing of former First Lady Rosalyn Carter. She was a woman of dignity and strength.

There was no greater advocate for President Carter, and their partnership set a wonderful example of loyalty and faithfulness. She leaves behind a significant legacy in her work destigmatizing mental health.

We join our fellow citizens in sending our condolences to President Carter and his family.”

Amy Carter

Amy Carter, Rosalynn and Jimmy’s daughter shared a moving speech at the funeral. “My mom spent most of her life in love, with my dad,” he said. “There partnership and their love story was a defining feature of her life. Why can’t he talk to you today? I will share some of his words about love and lack.”

A highlight of her speech was when she read a letter Jimmy Carter wrote to Rosalyn 75 years ago while he was serving in the Navy: “My love every time I’ve ever been away from you I was thrilled when he came back to find out how wonderful you are. While I was gone, I tried to convince myself that you can’t be as sweet and beautiful as I remember.’