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Live updates - Services honor late Rosalynn Carter

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Latest Updates
Nov 30 2023
Why were the Carter family wearing Hawaiian leis at the funeral?
Nov 30, 2023 12:16 PM
Nov 29 2023
Online gallery: Plains says final goodbye to a famous resident
Nov 29, 2023 4:31 PM
WATCH: ‘Goodbye, darling.’
Nov 29, 2023 4:28 PM
Peanut scientist, wife reminisce on 60+ years of knowing the Carters
Nov 29, 2023 2:05 PM
Family travels on foot to Carters’ home for burial
Nov 29, 2023 12:43 PM
Funeral procession heads to Carters’ family home
Nov 29, 2023 12:20 PM
Great-grandchildren were among Carter family taking part in the service
Nov 29, 2023 12:05 PM
Pastor says former first lady treated him like a son
Nov 29, 2023 11:51 AM
In Atlanta, state legislators pause to honor Rosalynn Carter
Nov 29, 2023 11:45 AM
Grandson Josh Carter: Rosalynn ‘happiest whenever there was a new baby’
Nov 29, 2023 11:41 AM
Outside the church, Plains neighbors and visitors say farewell
Nov 29, 2023 11:37 AM
Son Jack Carter shares childhood memories
Nov 29, 2023 11:32 AM
Here’s a profile of pastor Tony Lowden, who is delivering today’s eulogy
Nov 29, 2023 11:26 AM
Pastor calls Rosalynn Carter ‘greatest first lady ever’ as service begins
Nov 29, 2023 11:16 AM
Family motorcade has arrived at church
Nov 29, 2023 11:07 AM
Church program: Read the order of service
Nov 29, 2023 11:00 AM
Scenes from the church in Plains
Nov 29, 2023 10:37 AM
Lots of young future farmers paying tribute today
Nov 29, 2023 10:34 AM
Plains interactive map
Nov 29, 2023 10:26 AM
Here’s a map of today’s motorcade route in Plains
Nov 29, 2023 10:21 AM
How to watch this morning’s funeral livestream
Nov 29, 2023 10:18 AM
About Maranatha Baptist Church
Nov 29, 2023 10:12 AM
Middle schoolers grew flowers for first lady’s garden, casket
Nov 29, 2023 10:08 AM
Hot chocolate and fish on a chilly morning
Nov 29, 2023 10:02 AM
Georgia State Patrol honor guard stood vigil Tuesday night
Nov 29, 2023 10:02 AM
Guests begin trickling into church
Nov 29, 2023 9:58 AM
What to know about today’s funeral service for Rosalynn Carter
Nov 29, 2023 9:55 AM
Welcome to AJC Live Updates
Nov 29, 2023 9:53 AM

Why were the Carter family wearing Hawaiian leis at the funeral?

12:16 PM

At Wednesday’s funeral for Rosalynn Carter, many viewers noticed that Carter family members were wearing leis, garlands that are common in Hawaii and much of Polynesia.

It was a nod to the Carter family’s often-forgotten historical connections to Hawaii, where former President Jimmy Carter was stationed for part of his time in the Navy. Chip Carter, one of Rosalynn and Jimmy’s four children, was born in Honolulu. While living in Hawaii, Rosalynn Carter learned hula dancing and even once won a hula dancing contest.

Carter family members follow the hearse after the funeral for Rosalynn Carter. A private interment followed at the Carter residence, Wednesday, November 29, 2023, in Plains. (Hyosub Shin / Hyosub.Shin@ajc.com)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

According to the Carter Center, close friends of the Carters who live in Hawaii offered to have leis shipped to Georgia for the family.

”The family was happy to receive them and eager to wear them,” said Matthew De Galen, the Carter Center’s spokesman. “Given Pastor Tony Lowden’s description of the funeral as a celebration of Mrs. Carter’s life, the festive flowers seemed quite appropriate.”