Michelle Obama was noticeably absent from the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter on Thursday, though all other living former presidents and their spouses were present. Barack Obama, along with the other former presidents, sat in the front pews at Washington National Cathedral, right behind President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and their spouses.
Michelle Obama’s office confirmed her absence but didn’t provide specifics on why she didn’t attend or where she was. Spokesperson Crystal Carson said in a statement, “Former First Lady Michelle Obama is not in attendance at President Carter’s National Funeral Service. Mrs. Obama sends her thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from the remarkable former President.”
Ahead of the funeral, CNN reported that Michelle Obama had a scheduling conflict and stayed in Hawaii, where she was on an “extended vacation.”
State funerals are rare occasions that bring together former and current leaders, along with dignitaries from across the government and around the world. At this one, Barack Obama appeared to chat cordially with his Republican successor, Donald Trump, as did Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. Trump was also seen shaking hands with his former vice president, Mike Pence, despite their strained relationship after Pence refused to support Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election.
The dignitaries will come together again for the inauguration of Trump’s second term on January 20. Michelle Obama’s spokesperson did not say whether she plans to attend.
