A somber mood envelops the nation as arrangements unfold for the farewell to America's longest-lived former president.

According to Daily Mail, President Joe Biden has declared January 9 as a national day of mourning, coinciding with Jimmy Carter's state funeral, following the former president's death at age 100 on Sunday afternoon.

Carter's passing was confirmed by his son Chip Carter, who shared that his father died at his Georgia home around 3:40 pm ET on Sunday, marking the end of an era for the former commander-in-chief who had entered hospice care in February 2023.

State Funeral Plans Honor Carter's Distinguished Service Record

President Biden's announcement outlines comprehensive plans for Carter's state funeral, making him the sixth American president to receive this honor at the United States Capitol.

The former president's body will lie in state at the Capitol Rotunda, joining a distinguished list of 12 presidents and 34 individuals who have received this honor.

The state funeral arrangements follow established protocols, with ceremonies planned across three locations spanning five days. These ceremonies will begin in Carter's home state of Georgia, continue in Washington D.C., and conclude with his burial in Plains, Georgia.

Following tradition, flags across the nation will fly at half-mast for 30 days, extending into mid-January during Donald Trump's inauguration. This gesture of respect acknowledges Carter's service as the 39th President of the United States and his lifelong commitment to public service.

Historic Washington National Cathedral Service Marks Final Tribute

Biden announced from the Oval Office on Sunday night the following statement regarding Carter's state funeral:

To honor a great American, I will be ordering an official state funeral to be held in Washington D.C. for James Earl Carter, Jr., 39th President of the United States, 76th Governor of Georgia, Lieutenant of the United States Navy, graduate of the United States Naval Academy, and favorite son of Plains, Georgia, who gave his full life in service to God and country.

The Washington portion of the state funeral will take place at the Washington National Cathedral, followed by a procession down Pennsylvania Avenue past the White House. Military honors will include a three-volley salute over Carter's final resting place.

Final Journey Brings Carter Home To Plains Georgia

Carter's final resting place will be beside his wife Rosalynn, who passed away on November 19, at their shared home in Plains, Georgia. The choice reflects their deep connection to their hometown and their 77-year marriage.

Transportation arrangements for Carter's return to Georgia may include a train journey, allowing citizens across the country to pay their respects, similar to arrangements made for George H.W. Bush in 2018. This decision would honor American tradition while providing an opportunity for public mourning.

The Carter family will hold private services in Plains, Georgia, following the pattern set by Rosalynn Carter's funeral in November, which saw both public and private ceremonies honoring her life and legacy.

Presidential Legacy Lives On Through Humanitarian Work

Carter's passing marks the end of a remarkable life that extended well beyond his presidency from 1977 to 1981. His tenure saw the establishment of two new cabinet-level departments: the Department of Energy and the Department of Education.

Despite facing challenges during his presidency, including an oil crisis and the Iran hostage situation, Carter's post-presidential years earned him widespread respect through his dedication to humanitarian causes. His commitment to philanthropy and public service transformed his legacy.

With Carter's death, the roster of living presidents now includes Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden, marking a significant transition in American political history.

Final Farewell To America's Longest Lived President

Jimmy Carter, the former peanut farmer turned president who later became one of America's most respected humanitarian figures, died at his Georgia home at age 100, closing a chapter in American history.

His death came less than two months after celebrating his centennial birthday on October 1, surrounded by family and friends.

The nation prepares to bid farewell through a series of ceremonies beginning in Georgia, continuing in Washington D.C., and concluding with his burial in Plains, Georgia, where he will rest beside his beloved wife Rosalynn, honoring their shared commitment to service and their deep roots in their hometown community.