In a rare public appearance since entering hospice care 10 months ago, former President Jimmy Carter attended a memorial service for his wife, Rosalynn Carter, in Georgia. The 99-year-old ex-president arrived at the service in a wheelchair, dressed in a dark suit, and was accompanied by his four children.

The tribute service, held at the Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at Emory University, paid homage to Mrs. Carter, who passed away at the age of 96 earlier this month. She had been diagnosed with dementia in May and had been receiving hospice care in Georgia.

Mrs. Carter's 77-year marriage to Mr. Carter stands as the longest of any first couple. Her passing has garnered widespread recognition, as evidenced by the attendance of prominent figures such as President Joe Biden and former President Bill Clinton, reflecting the high esteem she received from both Republicans and Democrats.

The service also saw the presence of First Lady Jill Biden and all four living predecessors, including Melania Trump, Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, and Hillary Clinton. However, former presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, although invited, were not in attendance.

Despite the notable guests, the speaking roles were reserved for family members, close friends, and aides, as Mrs. Carter favored simplicity. President Carter, who has been receiving end-of-life care since February due to various health issues, observed the service from the front row, seated in a wheelchair, supported by his daughter Amy.

Various speakers reflected on Mrs. Carter's remarkable life and the legacy she leaves behind. As her husband embarked on his political career, Mrs. Carter focused on mental health awareness and reducing the stigma associated with mental illnesses. She played an active role in improving services for the mentally ill as the first lady of Georgia and later led advocacy efforts as honorary chair of the President's Commission on Mental Health during her time as U.S. first lady.

Following their time in Washington, the Carters founded the Carter Center in 1982, where Mrs. Carter continued her advocacy work for mental health, early childhood immunization, and other humanitarian causes.

The tribute service also featured readings of Mrs. Carter's favorite passages from the Bible and live musical performances by Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, who are long-time friends and collaborators of the Carters through their involvement with Habitat for Humanity projects.

After the service, Mrs. Carter's journey home to Plains, the town they called home for decades, began. On Wednesday morning, a private funeral service will be held at the Maranatha Baptist Church for family and close friends.

The memorial service for Mrs. Carter serves as a poignant moment to remember her extraordinary life and the enduring impact she has had on mental health advocacy and humanitarian work.