Following the passing of Jimmy Carter at age 100 last month, heartfelt tributes came in from his family, fellow former presidents, and various public figures.

President Joe Biden remarked on the significant loss, calling Carter “an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian.” Meanwhile, Carter’s grandson shared a link to the song “Last of My Kind,” which includes the lyrics, “Try to find another just like me, You’ll be looking for a real long time.”

This week, the public had the opportunity to pay their respects.

Currently, Carter’s flag-draped casket is lying in state at the Capitol until 7 a.m. Thursday, placing it at the center of the nation’s voice.

Many people from Washington D.C. and surrounding areas visited, while others traveled over a thousand miles to honor the former president.

Together with his wife, Rosalynn, Carter was well-known for his humanitarian efforts, actively participating in Habitat for Humanity and co-founding the Carter Center. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his efforts in promoting peace, overseeing elections, and advancing human rights.

As the public reflected on his century-long life, they spoke about how Carter shaped their views on the presidency and left behind a legacy of kindness and integrity.

Mourners Assemble in Washington

Despite frigid temperatures and recent snowfall, hundreds of attendees stood in line for hours on Tuesday to show their respects.

After a ceremony transferring the casket, a line began to form outside the Capitol in the late afternoon. From around 8:30 p.m. onward, guests from various parts of the nation steadily entered the Rotunda.

Under a solemn mural of George Washington, Carter’s casket was enveloped in a quiet crowd and protected by military personnel.

While waiting to enter, Sally Muhl pondered what her thoughts would be as she stood before Carter’s casket. She settled on expressing her heartfelt gratitude: “Thank you. Thank you for making a difference.”

Muhl admitted that she generally doesn’t appreciate politicians—except for Jimmy Carter.

In November 1980, Muhl entered a fire station in Mesquite, Texas, to cast her first presidential election vote, opting for Carter while expecting her second child.

Though he lost the election to Ronald Reagan that year, Muhl continued to follow Carter’s post-presidency work and later volunteered at Habitat for Humanity.

She had a brief encounter with Carter in 2014 while he helped build a family home for Habitat in Dallas. Muhl reminisced about how he shook hands with every attendee and kindly inquired about their origins.

“It was just amazing,” she recounted tearfully outside the Capitol.

On her living room mantle sits a cherished group photo from that day, with Carter at the center, donning a red bandana and jeans.

1,300 miles to Washington

Peggy and Preston White made a long journey on Tuesday, keeping a promise they made two years back to honor Carter in person after his death.

The couple traveled from Oklahoma City to Washington for this tribute.

Peggy White, a 66-year-old retired postal worker, has admired Carter since he was the governor of her native Georgia in 1971.

During her college days, she even wrote a paper on his path to the governorship. When U.S. diplomats were captured in Iran in 1979, she joined the Navy, inspired by Carter’s military service.

Her husband, Preston, expressed his admiration for Carter’s integrity and kindness, sharing, “He accomplished amazing things but still took the time to teach Sunday school at a small church.”

On Wednesday morning, Lauren and Phyllis Sylvester, a mother-daughter duo, gathered to show their respects. Phyllis, who lives in Brookeville, Md., about 30 miles north of Washington, traveled to meet her daughter who resides in DC.

The 71-year-old emphasized the importance of honoring someone like Carter. “His compassion and love for the country left a deep impression on people. He cared for the people a truly remarkable human being,” said Phyllis, who voted for Carter in her youth.

Lauren Sylvester, 36, also felt compelled to attend, largely influenced by her mother’s admiration for Carter.

“We talked about how I don’t know much about his presidency, but she’s been sharing insights, and it highlights a significant contrast to the current political climate,” Lauren said, reflecting on Carter’s preference for simplicity during his time in office.

“It seemed like he always prioritized the country and its people, rather than his own interests.”

Carter leaves a glowing legacy after presidency

While discussions about the effectiveness of Carter’s presidency continue, his post-presidential life is often highlighted positively.

“There was no controversy,” noted Reginald Watkins, 50. “He outshone his presidency through his actions after office. Building homes with Habitat for Humanity nationwide alongside his wife, and aiding those in need, he truly was a remarkable American.”

Watkins, who traveled from Brandywine, Maryland, to attend the Capitol event, expressed his respect for Carter, stating, “He was a great American president, steadfast in his beliefs and embodying the essence of what a Christian should be.”

Marshall Rocke, 60, made the journey from New York City via Amtrak to pay his respects to “one of the greatest people in history.”

Rocke praised Carter’s humanitarian endeavors following his presidency, noting his contributions to fighting Guinea worm disease in Africa, managing elections in nascent democracies, and building homes through Habitat for Humanity.

“If anyone embodies the essence of sainthood, it’s Jimmy Carter,” said Rocke, a retired banker.

Funeral Arrangements for Jimmy Carter

After Jimmy Carter concludes his lying in state on Thursday morning, his casket will be moved for a memorial service at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., followed by a private burial back in Plains, Georgia, his hometown.

People began paying tribute to Carter over the weekend in Georgia. Before the public was welcomed into the Capitol Rotunda on Tuesday, lawmakers held a separate memorial service to honor the 39^th president. His remains were brought to Capitol Hill via a procession designed to reflect his 1977 inaugural parade.

Aggie Heller, 68, attended both events.

Heller cast her vote for Carter in November 1976 and recalls seeing him and First Lady Rosalynn Carter walking hand-in-hand along Pennsylvania Avenue that January—a historic moment as it was the first time a president participated in the Inaugural Parade on foot.

“My friend and I decided to go on a whim,” she remembered about that chilly January morning. “Rosalynn wore a lovely blue coat. It’s a moment I will always remember.”

Heller returned to Washington on Tuesday, driving down from Maryland with another friend early that day.

As she left the Capitol on Tuesday evening, Heller paused at the condolence book to express her gratitude to Carter for “all the years between” his inauguration almost 50 years ago and his passing in December at the age of 100.

“I’m here because he was an exceptional man,” she stated. “No one can surpass his dedication to his country.”