Washington:
Former US First Lady Michelle Obama did not attend the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter at Washington National Cathedral on Thursday. According to media reports, she was on long leave. His advisors also confirmed that there was a problem with his program schedule.

Michelle Obama’s absence has been confirmed by her office. Michelle Obama sends her condolences and prayers to President Carter’s family and all those who loved and learned from this remarkable former president, her spokeswoman Crystal Carson said.

Before the ceremony, both the former Presidents were seen talking for some time. Barack Obama is a Democrat. Obama was seen having a cordial conversation with his Republican successor Donald Trump. The ceremony was attended by former Democratic President Bill Clinton and former Republican President George W. Bush was also seen.

The funeral ceremony was attended by five former presidents, including Obama, Trump, Clinton, George W. Bush and President Joe Biden. He was joined by his spouses, including former First Lady Melania Trump, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former First Lady Laura Bush and First Lady Jill Biden. However, Michelle Obama remained out of this attendance. Apart from this, Vice President Kamala Harris, her husband Doug Emhoff, former Vice President Mike Pence and former second lady Karen Pence were also present at the ceremony.

CNN reported that Michelle Obama was on leave and the funeral took place at this time. Her spokesperson did not comment on whether she would attend President Trump’s swearing-in ceremony on January 20. Dignitaries will gather again in Washington for the swearing-in ceremony, which will be another important event bringing together the nation’s leaders.