Who Is Speaking at Carter’s Funeral? Photos of Speakers

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January 9, 2025 11:55AM EST
Who Is Speaking at Carter's Funeral? Photos of Speakers
AFP via Getty Images

The late former president was eulogized by some of his family members and President Biden.

Former President Jimmy Carter is being laid to rest at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington D.C. The late politician, who dedicated the rest of his life to humanitarian efforts, died at the age of 100 on December 29, 2024. President Joe Biden — who served as one of the funeral speakers — dedicated January 9, 2025, as a day of mourning to honor Carter.

Steve Ford, son of former President Gerald Ford, read a tribute from his late father during the funeral. Though Carter and Ford were opponents, they became good friends.

Scroll through the gallery to see photos of the speakers from Carter’s funeral and read what they said.

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Joe Biden

Joe Biden
AFP via Getty Images

The president eulogized Carter in a speech, saying that while he misses him, Biden was happy that Carter reunited with his wife, Rosalynn, who died in 2023. 

January 9, 2025, 11:41AM
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Jason Carter

Jason Carter
Getty Images

Carter’s grandson Jason Carter delivered a moving and heartfelt speech for his late grandfather, joking that Carter was “basically” the “first millennial” of his time — “and he could make great playlists.” 

Jason managed to elicit a few laughs from the crowd while he honored Carter. 

January 9, 2025, 11:41AM
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Steve Ford

Steve Ford
AFP via Getty Images

Steve, son of the late former President Gerald Ford, honored Carter by looking directly at his adult children and saying, “God did a good thing when he made your dad” 

January 9, 2025, 11:47AM
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Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood

Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood
WireImage

Garth and Trisha performed a rendition of John Lennon‘s “Imagine” during Carter’s funeral. Though they didn’t deliver a speech, their performance took place toward the end of the ceremony. 

January 9, 2025, 12:10PM
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Ted Mondale

Ted Mondale
AFP via Getty Images

Ted, son of former Vice President Walter Mondale, read a tribute from his late father, which read, “I was surprised when then-candidate Governor Carter asked me to join him as his running mate in 1976. He amazed me then as he has every year since and following his presidency. He, of course, was brilliant, as we all know. He had a great sense of humor. While we had only 4 years in the White House, he achieved so much in that time. It stood as a marker for Americans dedicated to justice and decency. Today we come to say goodbye to our friend and to deeply thank his partner, Rosalynn, who is with us today. God bless you Rosalynn. … Carter was a man of his word. I remember when we talked about his concept of the vice presidency. I told him that I would like to do it and I had only two requests. I wanted to make a real contribution and didn’t want to be embarrassed or humiliated as many of my predecessors had been in that office. He agreed, welcomed my full participation, directed his staff to treat me as they would him and, during our 4 years in the White House, he was very careful to protect me from the frustration and too often humiliation that had cursed the lives of many vice presidents. These were good years for Joan and me. Because of that, I want to thank the President for the good choices he made of his key personnel, key advisors and political leaders.” 

January 9, 2025, 12:12PM
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Stuart Eizenstat

Stuart Eizenstat
Getty Images

Stuart, former advisor to Carter, delivered a speech in honor of the late president. 

January 9, 2025, 12:16PM