Jimmy Carter's funeral brought together a who's who of DC's past and present, but one person was conspicuously absent. Here's why Michelle Obama skipped the whole thing.
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00:00Jimmy Carter's funeral brought together a who's who of D.C.'s past and present,
00:05but one person was conspicuously absent. Here's why Michelle Obama skipped the whole thing.
00:11Multiple politicians gathered in Washington on January 9, 2025, to celebrate the life of the
00:1739th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, before he was laid to rest in his
00:22home state of Georgia. Carter was 100 at the time of his death on December 29, 2024,
00:28and the oldest living former U.S. president. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala
00:33Harris were at the event, along with President-elect Donald Trump and former President
00:37Barack Obama. But, surprisingly, former First Lady Michelle Obama was absent from the proceedings.
00:43Considering most of the other prominent figures at the funeral were present with their spouses,
00:47Michelle's absence was particularly noticeable.
00:50Spokesperson Crystal Carson released the following statement,
00:53shared by AP News, regarding Michelle's absence.
00:56Former First Lady Michelle Obama is not in attendance at President Carter's National
01:01Funeral Service. Mrs. Obama sends her thoughts and prayers to the Carter family and everyone
01:06who loved and learned from the remarkable former president. CNN was informed that Michelle was
01:11unable to attend due to a scheduling overlap and that she is presently still in Hawaii on
01:16an extended holiday vacation. The Obamas own a stunning piece of property on the island of Oahu,
01:21according to The Irish Star, which is likely where Michelle is enjoying her R&R while her
01:26husband jetted down to Georgia. Purchased in 2015 for more than $8 million, the property
01:31encompasses three acres. The Obamas have always had an affinity for Barack's home state,
01:36often enjoying vacations during his presidency.
01:40It features every amenity fit for a presidential retreat."
01:43So, the fact that Michelle is enjoying a holiday in Hawaii is far from a shock,
01:47but her decision to skip Carter's funeral still raised plenty of eyebrows,
01:51especially since all of the other living former presidents and their spouses appeared.
01:55As it happened, though, Barack Obama and Trump were seated side by side,
01:59and for this one time, they seemed to put political differences aside in light of the occasion.
02:04You see people from all walks of life that are coming together. I mean, look at that right there."
02:08Cameras lingered on the odd couple as they enjoyed a lengthy conversation.
02:12More than just remaining civil, they were seen sharing a laugh before the funeral.