President Carter and Trisha Yearwood's friendship endured for many years: 'They've inspired us'

On Thursday, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood honored their friendship with former President Carter by paying their respects.

At the end of Carter's funeral at Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 9, Brooks and Yearwood sang "Imagine" in all black, a song they had performed together before. Despite their busy schedules, the couple had maintained a close friendship with the former president throughout the years.

Brooks stated that President Carter's legacy, as shared by Rosalynn, is as beautiful as the life he lived.

"Your lifetime of service to our country and the world has been greatly appreciated. You have inspired us not only through your words, but also through your actions. We love you."

The Carter Center was contacted by Planet Chronicle Digital for comment on the report that the former president had requested Brooks and Yearwood to sing at his funeral.

In November 2023, Brooks and Yearwood sang the same duet at Rosalynn Carter's funeral, which took place at Emory University's Glenn Memorial Church in Atlanta. Both artists wore black for the solemn event.

At the time, Brooks praised Rosalynn and revealed the deep bond he and his wife had formed over the years.

According to "Today," he stated at a press conference that they were inseparable and Miss Yearwood referred to her as a "quiet warrior."

Carter's wife steals the show when she speaks, despite her quiet yet powerful words, as President Carter always does.

In 1984, the former president and his wife started collaborating with Habitat for Humanity and led a renovation project on a 19-unit apartment building in New York City.

Years later, after Hurricane Katrina caused devastation in New Orleans, the country music stars joined Habitat for Humanity.

In 2007, after Katrina, we became passionate about Habitat for Humanity. We already admired the Carters, and our love for them grew even stronger when we got the opportunity to work alongside them. What we love most about Habitat for Humanity is its mission to spread love and create communities.

"We’ll never fill their shoes, but we’re doing the best we can," she added. "To whom much is given, much is expected."

Brooks and Yearwood were similarly "inspired" by Carter and Rosalynn's 77-year marriage.

In 2023, People interviewed Brooks, who stated that the individuals had inspired them in various ways, including humanity, humility, and work ethic, as expected. However, they also inspired Brooks through their example as a married couple.

"For the past 15 years, we have worked alongside them, and it's evident that they frequently argue over the proper method of accomplishing tasks. This approach also works for us."

In 2019, Brooks and Yearwood collaborated with Carter on a Habitat for Humanity project at the Grand Ole Opry, where they built houses together.

During his final visit to the Ryman Auditorium, the former president stated that we get more out of Habitat than we've ever put into it, according to Opry.com.

Carter had a close relationship with Brooks and Yearwood, as well as several other celebrity confidants, including Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Greg Allman, Johnny Cash, and Jimmy Buffett.

"They’ve inspired us in a lot of ways, in the ways you expect — humanity, humbleness, work ethic. But they’ve also inspired us by their example as husband and wife." — Garth Brooks

Recently, Brooks and Yearwood were present at the 2024 Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Week Project in St. Paul, Minnesota, to commemorate Carter's 100th birthday. The event, hosted by Habitat for Humanity, emphasized constructing homes and increasing awareness about affordable housing.

People magazine reported in October that Yearwood stated that he definitely wants to know that they are working, and this is why they are here. He has a legacy of service, and he never stopped serving.

"Although he is not physically present on the site, building and swinging a hammer, we can feel his and Ms. Rosalynn's presence strongly. As mere volunteers, we feel a responsibility to make them proud."

Carter entered hospice care in February 2023 and died Dec. 29, 2024.

The former president passed away with his loved ones present, 22 months after entering hospice care at his home in Georgia. Carter, who was 90 at the time, fought metastatic melanoma in 2015 and underwent surgery, radiation, and immunotherapy to treat his skin cancer.