Former President Jimmy Carter’s strong faith will shine through today’s events, as his niece revealed that he actively participated in planning his own funeral. According to his niece, Carter personally selected the hymns and verses of scripture to ensure that his faith would be evident to all attendees. This deliberate act of planning reflects Carter's desire to share his faith with others, even beyond his physical presence.
It is not uncommon for presidents to begin planning their funerals years in advance, with some initiating the process shortly after taking office. Anita McBride, who served as chief of staff to Laura Bush, explained that presidents typically engage with the Joint Task Force early in their tenure to discuss funeral arrangements. McBride emphasized the emotional significance of this process for both the president, their family, and the nation as a whole, underscoring the importance of executing the funeral proceedings with care and respect.