Before the state funeral, there will be additional ceremonies. A motorcade will traverse Carter's hometown of Plains, Georgia, on January 4, stopping at his childhood home. Following this, a public service will be conducted at the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta, where the former president’s remains will be laid for public viewing on January 5 and 6. The final private burial ceremony will take place in Plains, where Carter will be interred alongside his wife, Rosalynn, who died the previous year.

Former President Joe Biden, who has known Carter personally, is scheduled to deliver the eulogy at the state funeral. Attendance is expected to include many former presidents and first ladies, demonstrating the common respect shared among the highest officeholders regardless of party lines. The inclusion of prominent figures such as Barack Obama and Bill Clinton highlights Carter's enduring influence on American politics. Nevertheless, the attendance of Donald Trump remains uncertain, as he opted out of the funeral for Rosalynn Carter but participated in other national memorial services.

In conclusion, Carter's passing marks not only the loss of a former president but a moment for the country to reflect on his contributions and enduring values, emphasizing a legacy rooted in humanitarian efforts and diplomacy. His funeral arrangements speak to the respect he garnered not only from fellow politicians but also from the public, ensuring his memory endures in the hearts of many.