Jimmy Carter’s memorial service was held on January 9, 2025, at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. He died aged 100 and was the longest-living former president in US history.
The performance by Garth Brooks and his wife, Trisha Yearwood at Jimmy Carter’s funeral sparked an uproar, with many fans criticizing the choice of song. They specifically called out the lyrics they found inappropriate for a church setting and a Christian funeral.
A fan comments on Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood’s song performance at Jimmy Carter’s funeral, from a post dated January 9, 2025 | Source: X/GrangiePatriot
Brooks and Yearwood, who were close friends of Carter, sang a rendition of John Lennon’s 1971 track “Imagine,” at the Democrat’s funeral. Their performance caused quite a stir online, with many fans voicing their opinions on the choice of song.
The firestorm on social media largely revolved around the song’s lyrical rejection of religion. One of the most dividing verses sings, “Imagine there’s no heaven, It’s easy if you try, No hell below us, Above us only sky.” Fans didn’t love the idea of having these words sung in a church setting as they challenged the very values of the Christian funeral.
WATCH: Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood perform “Imagine” at the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter in Washington pic.twitter.com/3NMvGLWjoE
— PBS News (@NewsHour) January 9, 2025
One fan expressed their disbelief, “Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood sing Imagine at a highly Christian funeral?!! How awful. Imagine there’s no Heaven?? [sic].”
Another triggered fan criticized this decision, “Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood are performing ‘Imagine’ at Jimmy Carter’s funeral. ‘Imagine there’s no heaven…’ ‘And no religion too …’ I gotta wonder—who planned this? There’s no worse song to sing at a funeral, except maybe ‘Highway to Hell.’ Sad. Pitiful, really [sic].”
Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood perform “Imagine” at a tribute service for former US first lady Rosalynn Carter at Glenn Memorial Church at Emory University in Atlanta, on November 28, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Others took a hit at the song directly, writing, “Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood Singing the worst song ever written. ‘Imagine’ there’s no heaven. It’s easy if you try. No thank you. What kind of funeral song is that?! [sic]” More users questioned the song’s appropriateness, “Why would you sing this song at a Christian funeral? Weird.”
Others were more direct in their disapproval, calling it the “most insulting song that could be played at a Christian funeral.” One user pointed out Carter’s strong faith, “Carter was a devout Christian and that song was absolutely tone-deaf to sing at his funeral.” Another individual agreed, “Inappropriate song for a devout Christian funeral.”
Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood perform “Imagine” at a tribute service for former US first lady Rosalynn Carter at Glenn Memorial Church | Source: Getty images
The setting was targeted, with one fan noting, “Sung in a historic cathedral…🤔. Bet Jimmy was rolling over in that coffin. 🙃” while another simply expressed disgust, “Yikes 😳.” Some considered it shameful, penning, “disgraceful.”
Another fan concurred, “That is a truly inappropriate choice of material. If Brooks chose that he should be ashamed. If someone asked for it he should have politely declined.” Others felt the performance wasn’t great, with one saying, “He should have rehearsed.”
Garth Brooks performs “Imagine” at a tribute service for former US first lady Rosalynn Carter at Glenn Memorial Church | Source: Getty images
One user was conflicted, writing, “This is a beautiful performance. The choice of this song is disrespectful to Carter’s memory.”
On the other hand, a few fans were more forgiving of the performance, with one stating, “It was absolutely amazing and beautiful hearing those 2 sing.” A fan, who also didn’t agree with the backlash, swooned, “Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood singing John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ at the Jimmy Carter funeral was one of most beautiful pieces of music I’ve ever heard [sic].”
Garth Brooks and Yearwood performed the song because it was one of Jimmy Carter’s all-time favorites. In a past interview, Carter had been asked what his favorite Beatles song was and he answered, “My favorite is ‘Imagine.’ When I go to a strange country, Cuba and other places, in some of those nations, ‘Imagine’ has become a national anthem.”
Garth Brooks, Rosalynn Carter, Trisha Yearwood, and Jimmy Carter attend the 53rd annual ASCAP Country Music Awards at the Omni Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee, on November 2, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
Carter gushed about his appreciation for “Imagine,” noting its significance and widespread appeal. He shared that on a trip to Havana, one will see Lennon’s statue. He remarked that such places “always play ‘Imagine,’ and it’s one of my favorites just personally.”
Carter also reflected on how the song critiques aspects such as religion, national boundaries, nationalism, and jingoism. Yet, he acknowledged its profound impact, emphasizing its ability to resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.
Hence, “Imagine” by Lennon became a meaningful way for Brooks and Yearwood to honor their friend. Following his passing, Brooks shared a tribute on Instagram, “President Carter, the legacy you and Rosalynn have left us is as beautiful as the life you lived.”
