Former President Jimmy Carter passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100, leaving behind a profound legacy of peace, human rights advocacy, and a deep love for music. Known by many as the “Rock and Roll President,” Carter forged close friendships with musicians like Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan, often using music as a bridge between political ideals and cultural movements.
In a deeply moving moment at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., superstar couple Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood paid tribute to Carter with a heartfelt performance of John Lennon’s “Imagine.” As dignitaries from across the political spectrum gathered — including President Joe Biden, who delivered a personal and emotional eulogy — Brooks appeared visibly emotional as he began the opening lines of the 1971 peace anthem. Together, he and Yearwood delivered a stirring harmony on the song’s famous lines: “Imagine all the people / Livin’ life in peace…”
The performance echoed their appearance just over a year earlier at the funeral of Rosalynn Carter, where they performed the same song by special request. At both ceremonies, the rendition of “Imagine” served as a poignant call for unity, peace, and understanding — ideals that Carter himself championed throughout his life and presidency.
Though a small number of online voices questioned the appropriateness of the song given Carter’s devout Christian faith, many others found the choice profoundly fitting. The lyrics of “Imagine,” though secular, reflect a vision of harmony and hope that Carter worked tirelessly to promote through his diplomacy, humanitarian efforts, and personal conduct.
President Biden acknowledged Carter’s forward-thinking ideals in his tribute, saying, “Today, many think he was from a bygone era. But in reality, he saw well into the future.”
Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood’s performance was more than a musical interlude — it was a reflection of a friendship grounded in shared service. The couple had formed a personal bond with the Carters through their mutual work with Habitat for Humanity, swinging hammers and raising roofs alongside the former president and first lady in communities across the country.
After Carter’s passing, Brooks wrote a touching tribute on social media: “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. You inspired us not just by what you said, but by what you built. We love you.”
In honoring Carter through music, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood gave voice to the values the 39th president held most dear — compassion, peace, and the enduring power of unity.
