On January 9, 2025, the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., was filled with solemnity as people gathered to honor former President Jimmy Carter. At 100 years old, Carter had achieved a legacy unmatched in U.S. history as the longest-living former president.
Close friends Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood performed John Lennon’s 1971 anthem Imagine during the service. While their heartfelt intention was clear, the choice of song sparked controversy online.
Many fans criticized the lyrics, particularly lines such as “Imagine there’s no heaven… Above us only sky,” as inappropriate for a Christian funeral in a historic cathedral.
