Former Second Lady Karen Pence Honors Jimmy Carter in Karl Lagerfeld Dress With Embellished Collar at State Funeral Service

Karen Pence joined her husband, former Vice President Mike Pence, at the state funeral service for former U.S. President Jimmy Carter at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. The former Second Lady honored the solemn occasion in a polished ensemble that adhered to traditional funeral attire.

Pence wore a black A-line dress by Karl Lagerfeld Paris, a refined choice for the formal event. The dress featured short sleeves and a polo-style collar adorned with subtle embellishments, adding a touch of detail to the otherwise understated silhouette. The structured A-line design offered a classic shape, maintaining a balance between elegance and simplicity that is often favored for ceremonial occasions.

More from WWD

• Melania Trump Wears Valentino Coat With Dramatic Kiss Print Collar for Jimmy Carter's State Funeral Service

• Georgina Chapman Goes Sheer in Sequined Strapless Dress at 2025 New York Film Critics Circle Awards With Adrien Brody

• Anne Hathaway Celebrates Upcoming Year of the Snake in Sculptural Oscar de la Renta Gown and Serpenti Necklace at Bulgari's Shanghai Exhibition Launch

Her choice of attire reflected the tradition of wearing black to signify mourning and respect for the deceased. The embellished collar provided a focal point to the look without detracting from the overall tone of the event, ensuring the ensemble remained appropriate for the solemnity of the funeral.

The service was attended by current and former political leaders, dignitaries and members of the public who came together to honor Carter’s legacy as the 39th president of the U.S.

President Joe Biden issued a proclamation declaring Jan. 9 a national day of mourning and ordering flags to half-staff for 30 days.

Carter’s casket departed the U.S. Capitol and proceeded to Washington National Cathedral, where a state funeral service began at 10 a.m. ET. The service featured several notable speakers, including Steve Ford delivering remarks written by his late father President Gerald Ford, Ted Mondale reading words from his late father Vice President Walter Mondale, former Carter adviser Stu Eizenstat and Carter’s son Jason.

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter (1924-2024) served as the 39th president from 1977 to 1981. A Nobel Peace Prize laureate, he championed human rights and conflict resolution through the Carter Center after his presidency, continuing humanitarian work until his death on Dec. 29 at 100 years old.

Melania Trump, Obama, Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush and More at Jimmy Carter State Funeral Service [PHOTOS]

Launch Gallery: Melania Trump, Obama, Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush and More at Jimmy Carter State Funeral Service [PHOTOS]

Best of WWD

• Heidi Klum Returns to ‘Project Runway’: Here’s Where All the Winners Are Now

• 'Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve' Through the Years: Retro Looks, Y2K Style and More [PHOTOS]

• What Happened to Russian Empress Catherine the Great's Jewelry — And Who Has It Now?

Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.