Billy Graham earned the nickname as “America’s Pastor” for a reason, and many of America’s best have been invited to pay their respects now that the famous Christian evangelist has passed away.
Graham had a profound impact on millions of Americans during his lifetime, including a handful of United States presidents from Harry Truman to Donald Trump.
Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump each released statements following the news of the popular preacher’s passing on Wednesday and there’s a possibility that all of them will attend his funeral.
.@FLOTUS Melania and I join millions of people around the world in mourning the passing of Billy Graham. Our prayers are with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all who worked closely with Reverend Graham in his lifelong ministry. https://t.co/e1697tcyaI
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 21, 2018
Every living president of the United States has been invited to Graham’s private funeral next week, The Charlotte Observer reported on Thursday. Whether or not they will all attend is not yet clear.
Billy Graham was a humble servant who prayed for so many – and who, with wisdom and grace, gave hope and guidance to generations of Americans.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) February 21, 2018
Three U.S. presidents attended the dedication of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte back in 2007. Since then both Obama and Trump, who is a close friend of Graham’s son Franklin Graham, have held office.
Graham will lie in public repose on Feb. 26 and 27 at his family’s homestead at the Billy Graham Library. His private funeral will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina on Friday, March 2.