Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood honored the legacy of former President Jimmy Carter during his funeral service at Washington National Cathedral on January 9, where they performed John Lennon’s iconic song “Imagine.” Dressed in all black, the couple paid tribute to their long-standing friendship with Carter, who passed away on December 29 after a prolonged battle with metastatic melanoma.
Immediately following Carter’s death, Brooks expressed his gratitude for the former president and his wife, Rosalynn, stating, “President Carter, the legacy you and Rosalynn have left us is as beautiful as the life you lived. Thank you for your lifetime of service to our country and the world.” Their friendship, grounded in shared values of service and compassion, has spanned many years.
The couple previously performed at Rosalynn Carters’ funeral in November 2023, where Brooks reflected on the close bond Yearwood had developed with the former first lady. He remarked on their friendship, highlighting, “Miss Yearwood called her ‘quiet warrior’,” and acknowledged Rosalynn’s powerful yet understated presence.
Brooks and Yearwood initially connected with the Carters through their work with Habitat for Humanity, an organization that the Carters have supported since 1984. Their involvement deepened after Hurricane Katrina, when they joined the Carters in their mission to assist communities in need. Yearwood shared her admiration for the Carters during a recent interview, underscoring that “we love what Habitat for Humanity is about — spreading love.”
Reflecting on the influence of the Carter’s long marriage, Brooks noted how they inspired him and Yearwood not just through their humanitarian efforts but also the example they set as a couple. “They’ve inspired us in many ways, in the ways you expect — humanity, humbleness, work ethic,” he said.
The couple had also been active participants in the 2024 Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Week Project in honor of Carter’s impending 100th birthday, where they focused on raising awareness for affordable housing. Yearwood emphasized the importance of continuing Carter’s legacy of service, saying, “He’s not physically standing here… but we feel his presence.”
Carter died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, after entering hospice care nearly two years prior. His life and work continue to resonate not only with his family and friends but also within the broader community that he inspired through his dedication to service and humanitarian efforts.
Brooks and Yearwood’s commitment to honoring Carter’s legacy through community service is a testament to the enduring bonds formed through shared values and a dedication to improving the lives of others, offering a positive outlook on how individuals can honor the legacies of those who have passed.