Jimmy Carter and Gerald R. Ford faced off in 1976 in a bitter campaign but later bonded as few presidents have — and made a pact to speak at each other’s funerals.

Steven Ford delivers a eulogy written for Jimmy Carter by his late father, former President Gerald Ford.

Former President Ford and former Vice President Mondale had their eulogies read at the state funeral of former President Carter years after passing away.

Jimmy Carter's funeral service is underway at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, where the former president will be honored in tributes and through musical selections and performances.

Presidents Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford may have started as political rivals, but they formed a tight bond behind the scenes, a former White House staffer tells PEOPLE. Their connection would span dec

Government agencies and major stock exchanges will be closed on Thursday to honor Jimmy Carter, who served as the 39th U.S. president.

Former presidents, dignitaries, celebrities, and other notable figures gathered to honor the former president.

WASHINGTON >> Jimmy Carter, a U.S. president who struggled with a bad economy and a hostage crisis but was widely admired in his post-White House career, was remembered during his state funeral today as a man who put honesty and kindness above politics.

Jimmy Carter, the 39th U.S. President, is being honored with the pageantry of a state funeral in the nation’s capital. He will later be honored a second service and burial in his tiny Georgia hometown that launched a Depression-era farm boy to the world stage.

The life and legacy of former President Jimmy Carter is being remembered Thursday with a national funeral service and a National Day of Mourning.