Former President Barack Obama attended Jimmy Carter’s state funeral on Thursday without his wife, Michelle Obama, although a spokeswoman for the former first lady said she sent her condolences to the Carter family.

The former president and once-again-future president, who are historically something less than besties, chatted it up before the service began. (Michelle Obama was not in attendance.)

Barack Obama attended President Jimmy Carter's funeral without wife Michelle by his side. Here's why the former first lady was unable to make it.