A Look at the US First Ladies Who Attended Jimmy Carter’s Funeral — And Their Elegant Attire

All Living US First Ladies Who Attended Jimmy Carter’s Funeral — What They Wore

The recent state funeral for Jimmy Carter was a poignant and momentous occasion, marked by an extraordinary gathering of nearly all the living First Ladies. In a rare and moving display of solidarity, these remarkable women came together to honor a man who had profoundly shaped the nation.

Their presence was more than ceremonial—it was deeply personal. Each First Lady paid her respects with heartfelt gestures, embodying grace and reverence. Their carefully chosen attire further reflected the solemnity of the moment, with each ensemble symbolizing respect and understated elegance. Together, their attendance created a powerful tableau of unity and shared history, underscoring the enduring legacy of Jimmy Carter and the values he stood for.

An official memorial service was held at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., to honor former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the remarkable age of 100. The gathering of living First Ladies during this solemn occasion served as a powerful and poignant reminder of their collective influence on the nation’s history.

Their presence underscored not only the respect and admiration for President Carter’s legacy but also the unique role these women have played in shaping and supporting the country through their leadership and grace. It was a moment of reflection, unity, and deep gratitude for a life dedicated to service.

Each First Lady brought her own unique sense of style to the solemn occasion, carefully choosing attire that honored the gravity and dignity of the service. Here is a closer look at how they paid tribute through their wardrobe choices.

Melania Trump

Melania Trump attended the state funeral alongside her husband, Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States. Known for her impeccable fashion sense, the former First Lady chose a striking black coat dress by Valentino. The piece exuded refined elegance with its clean lines and subtle artistic detailing, perfectly blending sophistication with a respectful nod to the somber atmosphere. Her ensemble underscored her reputation for polished and thoughtful sartorial choices, adding a touch of understated glamour to the event.

Melania Trump’s coat dress, a standout piece from Valentino’s Fall 2019 collection, featured a striking collar adorned with a black-and-white print of the 19th-century sculpture “The Kiss.” Originally conceived as part of the larger work The Gates of Hell, this sculpture symbolizes love and eternity—a fitting homage to Jimmy Carter’s enduring legacy of compassion and service.

Melania paired the dramatic yet elegant dress with classic black Manolo Blahnik heels and understated jewelry, embracing a minimalist approach to her accessories. True to her signature style of refined simplicity, her polished appearance exuded respect and dignity, embodying a sense of solemn reverence for the occasion.

Melania Trump’s attire garnered widespread praise on social media, with one user remarking that she looked “both attractive and classy.” Another commented, “She was dressed in a manner that was completely appropriate and elegant. The United States of America and her position both deserve praise.”

Additional compliments poured in, with one observer noting, “I think she always looks very classy,” while another stated, “Melania looked stunning in Valentino.” A fifth admirer added, “She is very stunning!!” Another described her look as “The very definition of elegance!!!!”

Dr. Jill Biden

First Lady Dr. Jill Biden chose a timeless and sophisticated look for the occasion, wearing a black skirt suit by Schiaparelli. The ensemble, which she had previously worn to the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, reflected her preference for understated yet meaningful fashion.

The suit featured bold gold and white buttons that added a subtle yet refined touch to the classic silhouette, perfectly balancing simplicity and elegance. Dr. Biden’s choice conveyed respect for the solemnity of the event while maintaining her signature polished style.

Hillary Clinton’s ensemble was a masterclass in balancing elegance and understated strength. She paired a simple yet sophisticated black pantsuit with classic pearl earrings and a streamlined necklace, embodying a timeless sense of style. Completing her look with a pair of black heels, she radiated both poise and practicality—perfectly reflecting her warm, yet polished approach to fashion.

Her appearance was undeniably fitting for the occasion, with her no-nonsense, yet graceful, sartorial choices speaking to her decades of experience in the public eye. Along with her husband, former President Bill Clinton, she attended the service, exuding quiet authority and dignity.

One particularly striking accessory was her bald eagle brooch, which featured the United States flag—a powerful symbol of patriotism and unity. As a longtime figurehead in American politics, the eagle served as a nod to her deep connection to the country’s values, evoking the national spirit that has been represented by the eagle since 1782.

Hillary Clinton’s accessory choices continued to reflect a deep sense of reverence for the occasion. She paired her classic ensemble with matching pearl earrings and a necklace, symbols of respect and solemnity. For centuries, pearls have been associated with mourning, representing both sympathy and a quiet tribute to the deceased. The simplicity of her pearls added an understated yet poignant touch to her overall look.

At the state funeral, Laura Bush epitomized grace and Southern elegance. The former First Lady chose a timeless black dress with a wide round neckline and three-quarter sleeves, striking a perfect balance between tradition and reverence. Her two-row pearl necklace was a classic, almost obligatory accessory for such an occasion—its long-standing association with mourning made it a fitting tribute to the somber nature of the service. Pearls, long regarded as symbols of condolence, beautifully complemented her understated yet respectful attire.

Michelle Obama’s absence at the funeral was notably felt, as she has attended many presidential events in the past. Social media users quickly took notice, with one asking, “Where is Michelle?” and another expressing concern, “I hope Michelle is okay… That she’s not here feels strange.” It was clear that the former First Lady’s absence had left many wondering, especially since nearly everyone else had attended the ceremony with their significant other.

Michelle Obama’s absence from the funeral was explained by her ongoing holiday in Hawaii. The former First Lady was reportedly caught in a scheduling conflict due to her extended stay, a detail that was confirmed by her advisors. CNN’s Jeff Zeleny noted that her absence was purely logistical, with no other underlying reasons behind it.

Though she wasn’t physically present, Michelle Obama made her presence felt through a message of sympathy. Her spokesperson, Crystal Carson, conveyed Michelle’s “thoughts and prayers to the Carter family,” ensuring that her respect and condolences were still communicated in a meaningful way.

The funeral was marked by a powerful moment in American history, as many of the living First Ladies gathered to honor the late President Carter. Their attendance was not just a formal tribute, but a personal one, with each First Lady choosing an outfit that spoke to her unique legacy and style. Through their thoughtful ensembles, they paid tribute to Carter in a manner that highlighted both the individual legacies they’d left behind and the shared reverence they had for the former president.