Billy Graham’s Homegoing: Response from Celebrities and Dignitaries

February 18, 2020

Categories: Billy Graham, Remembering Rev. Billy Graham

Billy Graham’s homegoing to Heaven sparked outpourings of grief from around the world as people mourned the loss of an amazing man of God. Dignitaries and celebrities came to pay their respects at his lie in repose in the Graham Family homeplace at the Billy Graham Library. Among those who attended were former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, as well as sports legend Joe Gibbs.

President George W. Bush and his wife Laura pay their respects to Billy Graham his Lie in Repose at the Billy Graham Library

When Billy Graham’s casket was moved to lie in honor in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, congressmen from both sides of the aisle threw politics aside to honor the “Pastor to Presidents.” President Donald Trump placed a wreath during the ceremony following the casket’s arrival and expressed his admiration for the humble farm boy who preached before millions.

President Donald Trump and his wife Melania place a wreath in memory of Billy Graham as he lies in honor in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol

At Billy Graham’s funeral a few days later, over 2,000 people came from around the globe to pay their final respects. Guests included President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, actress and talk show host Kathie Lee Gifford, singer and songwriter Michael W. Smith (who also performed music during the service), and former N.C. Governor Pat McCrory.

Ricky Skaggs is interviewed before the funeral of Billy Graham

The Graham family also received letters of condolence from noted individuals such as Bernice King, daughter of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, and President Moon Jae-in of South Korea.