Public Participation Guide

Members of the public are invited to honor and celebrate the life of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter by paying their respects at the repose, viewing the family motorcade processions, or signing the family's condolence book. 

*Notes: All times are subject to change; the public should plan to be in place at least an hour in advance of announced times. Expect temporary road closures and traffic impacts along the motorcade routes and around ceremony sites.

For the complete schedule, view Schedule of Ceremonies »

Watch today's events live here »

Plains, Georgia 

The state funeral begins with the arrival of the Carter Family at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus, Georgia, at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 4. The public is invited to observe the departure ceremony and funeral motorcade.

The motorcade will travel through President Carter’s hometown of Plains, Georgia, to his boyhood home for a brief pause in front of his family’s farm before heading to Atlanta.

Public viewing opportunities along the motorcade route to Atlanta are in Preston, Ellaville, Butler, Reynolds, and Fort Valley.

As the motorcade passes through each city, it will slow down for mourners to pay their respects to the late president as he makes his final trip to the Carter Presidential Center.

Georgia road closures and other transportation details surrounding ceremonies in Georgia will be announced by local and state authorities.

Atlanta, Georgia 

As the motorcade arrives in Atlanta, it will stop at Georgia’s State Capitol for a moment of silence around 3 p.m., then head to the Carter Presidential Center for an arrival ceremony and private service.

Following the service, the late president will lie in repose at the Carter Presidential Center. The public is invited to pay their respects beginning 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, through 6 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7.

Public parking is not available at the Carter Presidential Center due to security restrictions. However, MARTA is providing a direct, free shuttle to and from the King Memorial rail station to the Carter Presidential Center.

Lines may be long, and all individuals are subject to a security search. Please allow for ample time for security procedures. Additionally, photography or electronic recording will not be allowed while in the Carter Presidential Center.

Georgia road closures and other transportation details surrounding ceremonies in Georgia will be announced by local and state authorities.

Washington, D.C.

The late president will lie in state while the military maintains a guard of honor at the U.S. Capitol. The public is invited to pay their respects throughout this time. Details to follow.

Share Your Condolences Online

The Carter family invites the public to sign the official online condolence book here.

 Social Media

We invite you to share the image below on social media.


(Click image above to download)

View more social media images »