All five living presidents attended the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter, giving the nation a rare opportunity to witness their joint appearance.
Thursday’s service brought together President Joe Biden along with former presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and President-elect Donald Trump.
Vice President Kamala Harris, Vice President-elect JD Vance, and former Vice Presidents Mike Pence, Dan Quayle, and Al Gore also attended the funeral at the National Cathedral in Washington.
Video footage showed the first few rows of seats in the cathedral being occupied by the former presidents and their spouses.
Trump, who is set to take office in less than two weeks, arrived first, followed by Obama, Bush, and Clinton.
The president-elect first shook hands with Gore, who was seated next to Pence. Trump also shook hands with Pence and the two appeared to briefly exchange words.
Obama and Trump were later seen engaged in evidently cordial conversation, punctuated by smiles and a little laughter, as they sat next to each other during the service. Harris was seated in the row in front of them, along with her husband, Doug Emhoff.
Bush addressed Obama, and later stood up to acknowledge Bill Clinton, the 42nd president, and his wife and former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, as they entered.
This may not be the only time the nation witnesses the rare joint gathering of all five presidents this year. Traditionally, former presidents attend presidential inaugurations, although Trump did not attend Biden’s 2020 inauguration. Trump’s second inauguration is set for Jan. 20.
Former First Ladies Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, and Melania Trump sat next to their husbands during the service. Former First Lady Michelle Obama was absent from the service. Her spokesperson issued a brief statement regarding her absence but did not provide a reason.
“Former First Lady Michelle Obama is not in attendance at President Carter’s National Funeral Service,” the statement from spokesperson Crystal Carson read. “Mrs. Obama sends her thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from the remarkable former President.”
Meanwhile, Biden delivered the eulogy for the 39th president. According to Biden, Carter asked him to give the address at the funeral when they last saw each other.
“Jimmy Carter’s friendship taught me strength of character,” Biden said. “It’s the strength to understand that everyone should be treated with dignity, respect.”
Biden had declared Thursday a national day of mourning for Carter. All federal offices and buildings, the U.S. Supreme Court, and the New York Stock Exchange remained closed in observance.
Carter was 100 years old.