U.S. Flags Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Rosalynn Carter

President Joe Biden signed a proclamation on Tuesday ordering all U.S. flags to be lowered to half-staff beginning Nov. 25 “as a mark of respect for the memory” of former first lady Rosalynn Carter.

Rosalynn, the norm-shattering wife of former President Jimmy Carter, died on Nov. 19 at the age of 96, days after her family announced that she was entering hospice care. She was diagnosed with dementia in May.

In a statement, Biden, 81, said that flags will be flown at half-staff “at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government.”

The president also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff at all U.S. embassies, legations, consular offices and other overseas facilities.

The flag tribute, which began Saturday morning, will continue until sunset on the day of Rosalynn’s burial on Wednesday, Nov. 29.

Why Flags Are Flown at Half-Staff

United States flags are lowered to half-staff — or half-mast, on a ship — when the nation is in mourning, often following the death of a government official or military member, in the wake of a deadly attack or public tragedy, or on days of national remembrance. The long-held tradition has unclear origins, but is seen as a sign of distress and respect.

Federal law adopted by Congress in 1942 formally granted the president the power to order flags at half-staff and half-mast, and laid out guidelines for how long flags should be lowered for various occasions.

There is no specification for how long a flag should fly following the death of a former first lady, leaving President Biden to determine an appropriate length for mourning Rosalynn Carter. His order most closely follows guidance for the death of a Supreme Court justice, cabinet secretary, governor, former vice president, or former House speaker: lowering the flag from the day of death until interment.

Biden waited until after the Thanksgiving week holidays to order the flags lowered for Rosalynn, which trimmed the mourning period, but she will still be honored longer than late members of Congress, whose deaths trigger a maximum of two days flying flags at half-staff. (Upon the death of former President Jimmy Carter, who has been in hospice care for nine months and recently turned 99, U.S. flags will be ordered at half-staff for a full month, according to the flag code.)

Because state and local flags must fly below the United States flag in all instances, all other government flags should fly at half-staff between Saturday and Wednesday, as well.

Rosalynn Carter’s Legacy

In his half-staff proclamation, President Biden remembered Rosalynn for her lifetime of leadership and tireless commitment to the causes that mattered most to her.

“Rosalynn Carter exemplified hope, warmth, and a steadfast commitment to doing all she could to address many of our society’s greatest needs,” he said.

“She was a champion for equal rights and opportunities for women and girls; an advocate for mental health and wellness for all; and a supporter of the often unseen and uncompensated caregivers of our children, aging loved ones, and people with disabilities.”

Biden also touched on the Carters’ enduring love throughout their 77-year-marriage. “Above all, the deep love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership, and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism,” he said.

In a statement following his wife’s death, former President Carter reflected on having Rosalynn by his side as his constant supporter.

“Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished,” he said. “She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me.”

Rosalynn is set to be memorialized next week with a series of private and public events in Georgia, culminating with a funeral service and interment at the Carter family home in Plains.