On January 9, 2025, the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., hosted a memorial service for former President Jimmy Carter, who had lived to 100 years old. During the service, close friends Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood performed John Lennon’s Imagine, a song about peace and unity. However, the choice sparked controversy due to its lyrics, which some deemed inappropriate for a Christian funeral, particularly in the historic cathedral,
Despite the criticism, many defended the performance, noting Brooks and Yearwood’s long-standing friendship with the Carters. The couple had worked with Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter on Habitat for Humanity projects, and for them, Imagine symbolized Carter’s belief in a better, more unified world. Though the performance divided opinions, it highlighted the deep impact Carter had on those who knew him and his enduring legacy of service and hope.
