In a gesture of grace and bipartisanship, the late Rosalynn Carter, former First Lady of the United States, extended an invitation to all former first ladies, including Melania Trump, for her funeral in Plains, Georgia. Despite disagreements between Rosalynn's husband, former President Jimmy Carter, and Donald Trump's administration, Rosalynn believed in treating everyone with respect, even those with differing political views.

According to The Washington Post, all living first ladies, including Melania Trump, were invited to attend the funeral, which took place on Wednesday. Chip Carter, the Carters' middle child, revealed that his mother played a role in making this decision. Despite the public disagreements between her husband and Donald Trump, Rosalynn believed in the importance of showing bipartisanship and bringing together former first ladies, regardless of political affiliations.

Donald Trump confirmed his attendance, alongside Melania, in a post on Truth Social - the former president's social media platform. This rare gathering provided an opportunity to witness all the living first ladies together: Dr. Jill Biden, Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, and Melania Trump.

Melania Trump's presence at the funeral holds particular significance due to past events. Melania distinguished herself by not extending an invitation to Dr. Jill Biden, the current first lady, for a traditional "tea and tour" of the White House after the 2020 presidential election. This break from a long-standing tradition further fuelled the political tensions that were already brewing following the Jan. 6 insurrection. Melania missed an opportunity to extend her own olive branch at that time.

However, Rosalynn Carter's character transcended any petty grievances in life and death. She understood the importance of unifying events in today's divided political landscape. By ensuring the presence of all former first ladies, Rosalynn's final act of grace will be eternally remembered.

The funeral ceremony not only served as a remembrance of Rosalynn Carter's legacy but also as a reminder of the enduring strength of American democracy. The gathering of former first ladies, representing different administrations and political ideologies, underscored the significance of coming together in times of both celebration and mourning.

Rosalynn Carter's funeral was a testament to her unwavering commitment to respect and unity, proving that bipartisanship is possible even in an era of political polarization. Her legacy of graciousness will continue to inspire future generations.