Michelle Obama 'sends her thoughts and prayers' while absent from Carter's funeral
Michelle Obama isn't among the mourners attending former President Carter's funeral service in Washington, but she says she's thinking of and praying for "everyone who loved and learned" from the late commander in chief.
The former first lady was notably not among the former first family members gathered at the funeral service at Washington National Cathedral on Thursday. Carter, the 39th president, died last month at age 100.
"Former First Lady Michelle Obama is not in attendance at President Carter’s National Funeral Service," a spokesperson confirmed in a Thursday statement to The Hill.
"Mrs. Obama sends her thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from the remarkable former President," the statement said.
CNN reported Thursday that the 60-year-old Obama was on an "extended holiday vacation" in Hawaii. Her spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment about the report that she was in the Aloha State.
The funeral service for Carter brought together all five living American presidents — including some bitter political rivals — with President-elect Trump and President Biden joining former Presidents Obama, Clinton and George W. Bush.
With the exception of Michelle Obama, all the other current and former first ladies were also in attendance.
Michelle Obama was a fierce critic of Trump on the campaign trail for Vice President Harris during last year's White House race, calling him grossly incompetent and suffering from "mental decline."
At an October rally in Atlanta, Trump — who over the years has harshly attacked past presidents on both sides of the aisle — denounced former President Obama's spouse, saying, "You know who’s nasty to me? Michelle Obama."
At Carter's funeral service, Trump and Barack Obama were eyed chatting and appeared to be exchanging pleasantries as they sat next to one another.
Alex Gangitano contributed.