Former US President Jimmy Carter was laid to rest in a state funeral on Thursday with many renowned figures gathering to pay their respects. However, former First Lady Michelle Obama‘s absence from Carter’s funeral became a topic of discussion on social media. Here is why Michelle was unable to attend the funeral, as revealed by her representative in a statement.
Michelle Obama skipped Jimmy Carter’s funeral
Michelle Obama wasn’t present at the state funeral of Jimmy Carter, who served the United States as the 39th President from 1977 to 1981. The funeral was held on January 9, 2025, at the Washington National Cathedral.
While many personalities like President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, Donald Trump, and his wife Melania Trump, Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary Clinton, and more were present, many people noticed Barack Obama was attending the funeral without Michelle and was instead seated beside Donald Trump.
Michelle Obama’s absence from Jimmy Carter’s funeral service was addressed by Crystal Carson, a representative of the former First Lady in a statement. Carson mentioned in her statement, “Former First Lady Michelle Obama is not in attendance at President Carter’s National Funeral Service. Mrs. Obama sends her thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from the remarkable former president.”
However, the representative didn’t reveal a reason for Michelle not attending the funeral. Later, CNN revealed Michelle’s advisors had a chat with reporter Jeff Zeleny on the funeral day and told him that she was in Hawaii for an extended vacation.
Former President Barack Obama wrote a letter on Medium to pay tribute to Carter when he passed away. He mentioned in his note, “Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from this remarkable man.”
Late President Jimmy Carter passed away at the age of 100 on December 29, 2024. He was the longest-living President in US history.
