Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100 in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family. His death came just over a year after the loss of his wife, Rosalynn, in November of 2023. President Joe Biden paid tribute to Carter, calling him a dear friend, in an emotional Instagram post on December 30, 2024.
National Day of Mourning
President Biden signed an executive order on December 30, closing all government agencies on January 9, as a mark of respect for President Carter. This means that executive departments, federal agencies, and public buildings will be closed on that day. Flags will fly at half-staff at the White House and public buildings, the New York Stock Exchange will be closed, and the United States Postal Service will not deliver mail.
State Funeral Details
Former President Carter will have a state funeral, with services in both Georgia and Washington, D.C. He will lie in state at the Capitol Rotunda from January 7-9. The last National Day of Mourning was observed following the death of former President George H. W. Bush in 2018.
Legacy of Jimmy Carter
Jimmy Carter, born on October 1, 1924, was the oldest living ex-president at the time of his death. He lived a full life and reflected on aging in his book, “The Virtues of Aging.” With Carter’s passing, current President Joe Biden, 82, becomes the oldest living ex-president.
Jimmy Carter’s legacy lives on as the nation prepares to honor his memory on January 9, a day that will be etched in history as a National Day of Mourning for a beloved leader who touched the lives of people around the world.