Melania Trump thanked country star Garth Brooks for his performance at Rosalynn Carter’s funeral, where the five surviving members of the first lady’s sisterhood were the focus of the ceremony.
Mrs Trump wore a gray tweed coat with black gloves and shoes, while Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton and current first lady Jill Biden wore all black.
After the ceremony, Brooks, who sang a rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine,” kissed Mrs. Obama, Mrs. Clinton and Mrs. Trump on the cheek.
At the service, the former first ladies temporarily put aside any differences and sat side by side to reminisce about one of their exclusive club visits.
Garth Brooks speaks with Melania Trump after the ceremony
Melania Trump leads Michelle Obama, Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton to church
The First Ladies sit in the front row
Melania Trump and Michelle Obama go to their seats
Perhaps the most glaring example of unity was Mrs. Trump and Mrs. Obama sitting next to each other just inches apart, ignoring the animosity created by their husbands’ presidencies.
It was a rare public appearance for Mrs. Trump, who has so far stayed out of the spotlight as her husband seeks a third chance at the White House.
She was the first to enter Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, taking a seat at the end of the front row near the aisle.
Ms. Trump was followed by Ms. Obama, Ms. Bush and Ms. Clinton, who took their seats in that order.
Jill Biden, the current First Lady, was separated from the other four by Bill Clinton.
All five women remained composed throughout the ceremony, listening to their predecessors’ tributes and studying their service sheets.
There appeared to be no interaction between them during the service.
Garth Brooks gives Michelle Obama a kiss on the cheek after the service
A military honor guard carries the coffin of the late US First Lady Rosalynn Carter
The former First Ladies take their seats
Rosalynn Carter’s grandson Jason Carter praised her for her recognition.
“Thank you all for coming and recognizing this remarkable sisterhood you share with my grandmother,” he said.
“And thank you all for the leadership you have provided for our country and the world.”
To laughter from the audience, he added: “Secretary Clinton and Dr. Biden, we also welcome your lovely husbands.”
During the service, Ms. Trump sat directly in front of Vice President Kamala Harris.
The participation of political luminaries – including all living first ladies – demonstrated the high regard they hold Rosalynn Carter.
She was celebrated as an active first lady who advocated for mental health issues that were little discussed at the time.
Joe and Jill Biden flew from Washington early Tuesday, taking the Clintons and Michelle Obama with them on Air Force One, while Ms. Trump arrived separately.
Former Presidents Donald Trump and Barack Obama were invited but did not attend.
Jason Carter, grandson of former first lady Rosalynn Carter, thanked her successors for their participation
Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood perform “Imagine”
With Joe Biden and Donald Trump likely to meet in 2024 in a rematch of their bitter 2020 campaign, even such a celebratory occasion would have been scrutinized for signs of tension.
Former President George W. Bush was also not present.
One of the speakers, Judy Woodruff, a journalist who covered the Carter presidency, walked through the front row and announced the names of the first ladies.
She said: “Rosalynn Carter would be delighted to bring you all together on this day.”