Rosalynn Carter motorcade route set: Where, when the public can view in Atlanta and Plains

The motorcade for Rosalynn Carter will begin in in Plains at 10 a.m. on Monday, The Carter Center announced.

Services in Atlanta and Plains this week for Carter, the former first lady who died Nov. 19 at age 96, are for invited guests only, but the public can attend some events and is invited to line motorcade routes to pay respects.

Former President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn were married for 77 years. Jimmy Carter has been in hospice care since February. Rosalynn Carter was diagnosed with dementia in May and entered hospice care earlier this month.

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Rosalynn Carter motorcade route, per The Carter Center

“The motorcade will depart on Monday from downtown Plains via U.S. 280 to Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus,” The Carter Center announced in a press release Sunday. “After a ceremony at the hospital, the motorcade will continue on U.S. 280, turning north on U.S. 19, and then turn right at West Lamar Street, traveling through downtown Americus. Turning right on Tripp Street, the motorcade will enter Georgia Southwestern State University via GSW State University Drive to arrive at a wreath-laying ceremony at the Rosalynn Carter Health and Human Sciences Complex. 

“Following the wreath ceremony, the motorcade will exit the university campus via GSW State University Drive, turning left on Tripp Street, followed by a left turn on East Forsyth Street through downtown Americus. At the intersection of U.S. 19, the motorcade will turn right toward the town of Butler, traveling 35 miles before turning right on state Route 540/96 East and continuing 34 miles to Interstate 75 at Byron. Traveling I-75 north for 7 miles, the motorcade will then proceed on I-475 north to rejoin I-75 north toward Atlanta.

“At Atlanta, the motorcade will enter John Lewis Freedom Parkway at Exit 248C and will proceed to The Carter Presidential Center, arriving at about 2:30 p.m.

“Please note that parking is likely to be extremely limited in some places and there are likely to be temporary road closures. Please be respectful of private property at all times.”

Rosalynn Carter funeral services schedule

President Joe Biden is scheduled to arrive in Atlanta with first lady Dr. Jill Biden on Tuesday to attend the former first lady’s memorial service at Glenn Memorial Church at Emory University. Vice President Kamala Harris and husband second gentleman Douglas Emhoff will attend, too, according to the White House.

In a proclamation ordering flags to be flown half-staff starting Saturday, Nov. 25 through Wednesday, Nov. 29, Biden described Carter as, “a champion for equal rights and opportunities for women and girls; an advocate for mental health and wellness for all; and a supporter of the often unseen and uncompensated caregivers of our children, aging loved ones, and people with disabilities.”

On Wednesday, the funeral procession arrives in the morning at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia for a service for family and friends.

The casket will then be transferred to a hearse and depart for private interment at the Carter family residence.  

Tributes for former first lady Rosalynn Carter

A form was created by The Carter Center this week to share memories and thoughts of the former first lady who died Sunday, November 19. She was 96. Here’s where you can fill out and send an official tribute.

“We have heard from people all over the world who have shared beautiful messages in honor of First Lady Rosalynn Carter,” The Carter Center posted on X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter. “We invite you to share your own memory of Mrs. Carter or express your condolences to the Carter family…”