“Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood’s Performance at Jimmy Carter’s Funeral Sparks Debate – Video”
The National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. hosted Jimmy Carter’s memorial ceremony on January 9, 2025. He was the longest-living former president in US history, passing away at the age of 100.
Many fans criticized the song selection during Garth Brooks and his wife Trisha Yearwood’s performance at Jimmy Carter’s funeral, which caused a stir. They explicitly pointed out the lyrics that they believed were unsuitable for a Christian funeral and a church.
The Democrat’s burial featured a performance of John Lennon’s 1971 song “Imagine,” sung by Carter’s close friends Brooks and Yearwood. Their performance generated a lot of internet discussion, with many fans sharing their thoughts on the music selection.
The song’s lyrical rejection of religion was the main focus of the social media conflagration. Among the most divisive lines is the line, “Imagine there’s no heaven, It’s easy if you try, No hell below us, Above us only sky.” Because these words went against the core principles of a Christian burial, fans didn’t like the thought of hearing them sung in a church.
“Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood sing Imagine at a highly Christian funeral?!!” said one fan, incredulously. How terrible. What if Heaven didn’t exist? [sic].
“Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood are performing ‘Imagine’ at Jimmy Carter’s funeral,” said another agitated fan, criticizing this choice. “Consider a world without heaven.”Additionally, no religion. I must ask, who organized this? Perhaps “Highway to Hell” is the worst song to sing at a funeral. Sad. It’s really [sic] pitiful.
Others took direct aim at the song, stating, “Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks singing the most awful tune ever composed. “Imagine” if paradise doesn’t exist. If you try, it’s simple. Thank you, but no. Is that some sort of funeral song? [sic]” “Why would you sing this song at a Christian funeral?” asked more users, who questioned the song’s suitability. Strange.
Those who disapproved of it more bluntly referred to it as the “most insulting song that could be played at a Christian funeral.” Carter’s strong religious beliefs were highlighted by one user, who wrote, “Carter was a devout Christian and that song was absolutely tone-deaf to sing at his funeral.” Someone else concurred, saying, “Inappropriate song for a devout Christian funeral.”
One admirer pointed out the location, writing, “Sung in a historic cathedral…🤔.” One person merely said, “Yikes 😳,” while another said, “I bet Jimmy was rolling over in that coffin. 🙃.” Some people thought it was penning, shameful, and “disgraceful.”
“That is a really inappropriate choice of material,” agreed another fan. Brooks should feel ashamed if he made that decision. He ought to have declined it courteously if someone had asked for it. Some thought the performance was poor; one person remarked, “He should have rehearsed.”
One commenter said, “This is a beautiful performance,” expressing conflict. It is disrespectful to Carter’s memory that this song was chosen.
Some fans, however, were more understanding of the performance; one said, “It was absolutely amazing and beautiful hearing those 2 sing.” According to a fan who also disagreed with the criticism, “Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood singing John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ at the Jimmy Carter funeral was one of the most beautiful pieces of music I’ve ever heard [sic].”
One of Jimmy Carter’s all-time favorites, the song was performed by Garth Brooks and Yearwood. When asked what his favorite Beatles song was in a previous interview, Carter answered, “‘Imagine.'” ‘Imagine’ has become a national song in some of the countries I visit, including Cuba.
Carter extolled his admiration for “Imagine,” pointing out its importance and broad appeal. He revealed that Lennon’s statue can be seen when traveling to Havana. He said that these kinds of establishments “always play ‘Imagine,’ and it’s one of my favorites just personally.”
Carter also considered how the song criticizes national boundaries, religion, nationalism, and jingoism. He did, however, acknowledge its enormous influence, highlighting its capacity to strike a deep chord with viewers everywhere.
Lennon’s “Imagine” so became a significant method for Brooks and Yearwood to pay tribute to their comrade. In an Instagram homage to him, Brooks wrote, “President Carter, the legacy you and Rosalynn have left us is as beautiful as the life you lived.”
For their lifetime of devotion to the nation and the world, Brooks thanked Carter and his late wife, Rosalynn Carter. He recognized the way they motivated everyone with their deeds as much as their words.
On her Instagram account, Trisha Yearwood also posted a heartfelt message: “Rest easy, Mr. President. I’m glad for you and sad for us. The love that you and Mrs. Rosalynn left behind will last forever. ♥️”
Yearwood and Brooks took an active part in Carter’s initiatives, especially those related to Habitat for Humanity. On Instagram, they posted about their experience working on the Carter Work Project for 2024. More than 4,447 homes in 14 countries were repaired and renovated by the 2024 Carter Work Project, which brought together a diverse group of volunteers, homeowners, and supporters.
The couple was appreciative of the opportunity to work on this project. They came to contribute, but they took much more than they gave, Brooks added, underscoring the significance of their participation. Brooks wrote, “As they say, Home is the key and love never quits!”
Brooks and his wife gave Carter praise for his home-building efforts when he reached 100 in 2024, saying, “Your work has impacted the world and your heart continues to change lives, ours included.”
“Thank you for encouraging us all to give more and love more,” the couple continued. Being your friend is a privilege. Garth and Trisha, love.”
Yearwood considered how Carter’s lasting legacy of service continued to motivate the volunteers of his initiatives even while he was in hospice care in 2024. Although he was unable to be physically present, she stressed, Carter and his wife’s presence was felt throughout the endeavor. “We’re just two volunteers, but everybody who’s on this site feels that responsibility to make them proud,” she explained.
Like Carter and his wife, Yearwood and Brooks aspire to be excellent teammates. She also revealed that the former president’s longevity did not surprise her. She remembered how her friend, who was 90 years old, was already making plans for his next 20 years.
Brooks added, “We all gambled that he would be around for a long time, and he hasn’t disappointed or let any of us down. The fact that he was there for Ms. Rosalynn’s burial was quite sweet.”
Now, the country artists lament the death of their comrade but take solace in knowing he has been reunited with his beloved wife.
