Billy Graham to lie in honor in Capitol Rotunda

Legendary evangelist Billy Graham will lie in honor in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C., Speaker Paul Ryan’s (R-Wis.) office said on Thursday.

Graham, who died Wednesday at the age of 99, will lie in honor in the Rotunda from Feb. 28 – March 1, according to a statement.

Upon his casket’s arrival, Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) will hold a bicameral service honoring the life of the late Southern Baptist minister and adviser to a dozen presidents.

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Graham will be the first person to lie in honor on Capitol Hill since civil rights hero Rosa Parks in 2005. 

Ryan in a statement on Wednesday called the minister “rooted in decency, humility, and love.”

“Beyond his achievements as a preacher and counselor to presidents, Rev. Graham will be remembered as a devoted husband to the late Ruth Bell Graham and a loving family man. The whole House sends its condolences to the Graham family at this time of loss,” Ryan said.

McConnell said in his own statement that Graham became “one of the world’s most trusted men” due to his willingness to preach to everyone, regardless of wealth.

“Billy Graham became one of the world’s most trusted men by preaching God’s mercy to the rich and poor alike,” the Senate leader said.

“His kindly manner and unpretentious nature made him a trusted confidant to twelve U.S. presidents, reassuring generations of Americans that their leaders could count on this humble man of God for counsel and support. By standing right in the middle, Billy Graham could reach everyone.”

— Cristina Marcos contributed to this report.