What to know about former first lady Rosalynn Carter’s tribute service

by Sarah Fortinsky - 11/27/23 11:16 PM ET

A tribute service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter is set for Tuesday at Glenn Memorial Church at Emory University in Atlanta.

Carter, the late wife of former President Carter, died last Sunday at 96 years old, two days after she entered hospice care. She was diagnosed with dementia in March of this year.

The high-profile event is an invitation-only service, but the public will have the chance to tune in to listen to the tributes and participate virtually in the service.

Here’s what to know about it.

When does it start?

The service is set to begin at 1 p.m. EST, but the public can tune in earlier. It will end at about 2:45 p.m.

Where is it?

The service will take place at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at Emory University.

Who will attend?

Former President Carter, who is in hospice care, is expected to attend the service. Many other high-profile guests will be in attendance:

President Biden and first lady Jill Biden
Former President Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
Vice President Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff
Former first lady Laura Bush
Former first lady Michelle Obama
Former first lady Melania Trump
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and first lady Marty Kemp
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and his daughter, Bailey
Emory University President Gregory L. Fenves
Former Emory Presidents Claire E. Sterk, James W. Wagner, and William M. Chace
Multiple members of Congress and Georgia elected officials

What to expect from the service

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) members will provide gathering music, including the former first lady’s “most beloved tunes” and an arrangement by ASO conductor Robert Shaw and Alice Parker.

Pianist David Osborne, whom the Carter Center described as “long a favorite of Mrs. Carter and her husband, former President Jimmy Carter,” will play a medley of hymns as a prelude to the service.

The service will include musical performances by the ASO Chamber Chorus and family friends Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, according to the Carter Center.

The call to worship and invocation will be given by the pastor of Glenn Memorial, the Rev. Mark Westmoreland.

The Carters’ personal pastor, Pastor Tony Lowden, will give opening remarks.

The Carters’ second son, James Earl “Chip” Carter III, will welcome attendees, and their daughter, Amy Carter, will present a reading.

One grandson and three great-grandchildren will read Scripture passages.

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

The service will close with Lowden’s benediction and a song by the ASO Chamber Chorus.

Osborne will play a recessional song, followed by a postlude by organist Norman Mackenzie and the ASO Brass Quartet, the Carter Center said.