Many social media users were upset about Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood’s performance at Jimmy Carter’s funeral in Washington D.C.

Critics expressed anger towards the country singers, both in their 60s, for choosing to sing John Lennon’s 1971 song, Imagine, as a tribute to the late 39th President of the United States.

Although Brooks and Yearwood had a close bond with Carter and his late wife, Rosalynn, the song choice sparked controversy as some felt that a secular song like Imagine was inappropriate for a memorial service held in a Christian church.

The firestorm on social media largely centered on questioning the lyrical rejection of religion inside a church.  

One of the most polarizing verses goes: ‘Imagine there’s no heaven / It’s easy if you try / No Hell below us / Above us.’

‘Why would you sing this song at a Christian funeral? Weird,’ one tweeted.  

Social media users expressed outrage of the song that Garth Brooks and his wife Trisha Yearwood performed during Jimmy Carter’s funeral in Washington D.C. on Thursday

In response to their tribute to the late 39th President of the United States, who is considered a beloved American treasure on both sides of the political divide, X users furiously slammed the country singer, 62, and Yearwood, 60, for singing John Lennon ‘s Imagine

Another wrote: ‘Of all the songs to play at a funeral; being held in a church! Horrible.’ 

‘He really wanted everyone to imagine “there’s no heaven”… in a church. At a funeral. Whoever made that call… sheesh,’ a third quipped. 

A fourth pointed out: ‘What a bad choice of song at a devout Christians funeral. This is actually a terrible song if you listen to the words.’ 

‘Why sing such in a Christian funeral? Imagine no heaven!!!!!????? Singing such in a church,’ a fifth asked. 

Others accused the choice of this song of being ‘disrespectful to Carter’s memory.’

One X user pointed out it was hypocritical to have Joe Biden lecture us about what a strong Christian Jimmy Carter was before the crowd sits through Imagine.’ 

‘Why would any Christian have that sung at their funeral? Imagining there is no heaven and no Christianity at a Christian funeral is dark, indeed,’ another asked. 

Some, however, found the performance ‘perfect’ and ‘beautiful.’ 

While it is no surprise the couple, who had a close relationship to Carter and his late wife Rosalynn, were tapped to perform, many took offense to the song, which many are saying wasn’t the right choice for a memorial service in a Christian church

The firestorm on social media largely centered on questioning the lyrical rejection of religion

One of the most polarizing verses goes: ‘Imagine there’s no heaven / It’s easy if you try / No Hell below us / Above us’

‘Why would you sing this song at a Christian funeral? Weird,’ one tweeted

Another wrote: ‘Of all the songs to play at a funeral; being held in a church! Horrible’

‘Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood singing John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ at the Jimmy Carter funeral was one of most beautiful pieces of music I’ve ever heard,’ another insisted. 

Brooks and Yearwood are said to have sang the track because it was one of Carter’s all-time favorite songs. 

Brooks and Yearwood previously sanf the same song for Rosalynn Carter, at her funeral. 

Jimmy Carter, who is considered a beloved American treasure on both sides of the political divide, has died at the age of 100, in his Georgia home, last month. 

‘He really wanted everyone to imagine “there’s no heaven”… in a church. At a funeral. Whoever made that call… sheesh,’ a third quipped

A fourth pointed out: ‘What a bad choice of song at a devout Christians funeral. This is actually a terrible song if you listen to the words’

A fourth pointed out: ‘What a bad choice of song at a devout Christians funeral. This is actually a terrible song if you listen to the words’

‘Why sing such in a Christian funeral? Imagine no heaven!!!!!????? Singing such in a church,’ a fifth asked

Others accused the choice of this song of being ‘disrespectful to Carter’s memory’

The Democrat former peanut farmer served one term in the White House from 1977 to 1981 and dedicated the rest of his life to charity. 

Following a string of hospital stays he decided against more medical treatment and entered hospice care in February 2023.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner lived out his final years in Plains, Georgia.

Carter’s wife of 77 years, Rosalynn, was by his side until her passing on November 19, 2023 aged 96.

At 100 years old, Jimmy Carter (seen in 2019) was the longest-lived former president in America’s history

At 100 years old, Carter was the longest-lived former president in America’s history.

His four years as president were blighted by an oil crisis that forced Americans to line up for gas and the Iran hostage crisis that stretched into the final minutes of his administration before Ronald Reagan took over.

But the Navy veteran’s dedication to philanthropy meant he quickly became one of the most beloved figures in American politics.

One of his final public appearances was to celebrate his 100th birthday on October 1, surrounded by family and friends at his Georgia home.

The Democrat was also able to cast his vote in the 2024 election.