Melania Trump accompanied her husband, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, at the State Funeral Service for former U.S. President Jimmy Carter on Thursday. The ceremony was held at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.
Melania embraced a somber look for the occasion, wearing a black trench coat dress by Valentino with a belted waist and a contrasting and dramatic collar. The collar featured a black and white print of a couple kissing among roses and butterflies. The print was presented in multiple pieces from Valentino’s fall 2019 collaboration with Undercover.
Donald Trump and Melania Trump at the State Funeral Service for former US President Jimmy Carter at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 9.
AFP via Getty Images
Donald Trump held hands with his wife, wearing a black suit and a blue tie.
Following Carter’s death on Dec. 29, Trump shared an official statement, saying, “The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude. Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers.”
President Joe Biden issued a proclamation declaring Jan. 9, a national day of mourning and ordering flags to half-staff for 30 days.
Donald Trump and Melania Trump at the State Funeral Service for former US President Jimmy Carter at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 9.
AFP via Getty Images
Carter’s casket departed the U.S. Capitol and proceeded to Washington National Cathedral, where a state funeral service began at 10 a.m. ET. The service will feature several notable speakers, including Steve Ford delivering remarks written by his late father President Gerald Ford, Ted Mondale reading words from his late father Vice President Walter Mondale, former Carter adviser Stu Eizenstat, Carter’s son Jason.
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter (1924-2024) served as the 39th president from 1977 to 1981. A Nobel Peace Prize laureate, he championed human rights and conflict resolution through the Carter Center after his presidency, continuing humanitarian work until his death on Dec. 29 at 100 years old.
