Rosalynn Carter Funeral: Jimmy Carter Bids Farewell To Late FLOTUS; Melania Trump Present

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter has now been laid to rest, with former President Jimmy Carter, all surviving First Ladies, including Melania Trump. However, three of the living former presidents, including George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump, were notably absent during the funeral.

President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, and former President Bill Clinton were also present at the memorial service for the late humanitarian and former first lady. However, the funeral was notable because it was a rare moment when all surviving First Ladies gathered together in one spot.

According to CNN, current First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, former First Ladies Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, and Melania Trump were all present as they gathered together to pay their last respects.

Melania Trump has been trying to avoid the public spotlight since her husband left the White House back in January 2021. Despite her husband's rhetoric burning bridges with all the other former presidents, one of Rosalynn Carter's final wishes was to have all former First Ladies attend her funeral, extending an olive branch to Melania.

Melania has not been seen in public often, only attending her husband's presidential announcement last November but not joining him on any other public campaign events or his multiple court appearances.

Jimmy Carter Still Attended Rosalynn Carter Funeral Despite Precarious Health Situation

Before the funeral rites, former POTUS Jimmy Carter's presence was in question as the 99-year-old former president and humanitarian has been in hospice care for 10 months now. However, The Carter Center did announce that he will indeed attend his wife's funeral.

PBS reported that this was Jimmy Carter's first public appearance since September, when he and Rosalynn participated in the Plains Peanut Festival Parade. He was with her at the time of her death and has not made any public appearances ever since.

However, he did not take part in a public motorcade in her memory and the wreath-laying ceremony in her memory at her alma mater, Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus.

Rosalynn Carter's Family Pay Tribute

During her funeral, several Carter family members paid tribute to herm, including her children and grandchildren. Jason, one of her grandchildren, talked about her mental health advocacy and how much of a champion of healthcare she had been.

"Her advocacy for mental health was a 50-year climb that is as remarkable as any other and has been mentioned already," he said, adding that his grandmother decided in 1970 to tackle the anxiety and stigma associated with mental illness."

"That effort changed lives and it saved lives, including in my own family," he concluded.

Meanwhile, Chip Carter, the son of Jimmy and Rosalynn, said that his mother saved his life. He was also seen kissing the head of his father during the funeral service.

Amy, the former First Couple's daughter, also spoke at the funeral, reading a letter between Jimmy and Rosalynn in a touching tribute. She also described their relationship, saying, "Their partnership and love story was a defining feature of her life. Because he is unable to speak to you today, I'm going to share some of his words about loving and missing."

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: President Jimmy Carter arrives at tribute service for Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter - Atlanta News First