PLAINS, Ga. — As family members, including former President Jimmy Carter, gathered for a private funeral for the Rosalyn Carter Wednesday, some of them were seen wearing leis and Hawaiian shirts to honor the former First Lady.
The accessories, according to the Carter Center, honor a special time in Rosalynn's life when Jimmy was in the Navy and the two lived in Hawaii. She was often photographed wearing carnation leis on important presidential campaign days.
What is the significance of the Carter family wearing Leis?
According to the Carter Center, Mrs. Carter was fond of her time in Hawaii, participating in the culture, including learning how to Hula dance. She even won a Hula-dancing contest.
In fact, the Carter's son "Chip" Carter was also born in Honolulu, according to representatives for the Center.
According to the Carter Center, a couple who are close friends of the Carters and who live in Hawaii offered to have leis shipped to Georgia for the family. The family was happy to receive them and eager to wear them.
Given Pastor Tony Lowden’s description of the funeral as a celebration of Mrs. Carter’s life, the festive flowers seemed quite appropriate, according to the Center.
The former president was even seen donning a red lei.
Family and friends gathered on Wednesday in Plains at Maranatha Baptist Church to bid farewell to the first lady. She died on Nov. 19 at her home in Plains, according to The Carter Center. She was 96 years old.
Rosalynn was married for 77 years to former president Jimmy Carter, who was in attendance at the service.