President Trump, VP Pence to attend Rev. Graham's funeral Friday

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — White House officials announced Wednesday that Vice President Mike Pence and second lady Karen Pence will attend Rev. Billy Graham's funeral on Friday.

The two will join President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump at the service.

All four attended a private ceremony Wednesday in the Capitol Rotunda where Graham's body will lie in honor until Thursday morning.

Congress authorized Graham to lie in honor. He is the first religious leader to be offered this distinction.

[Information on Public Viewing Hours in Capitol Rotunda]

Graham had the ears of presidents and the eyes of millions on him, but his family members said the beloved pastor always stayed humble.

[Photos: Billy Graham was counselor to presidents]

[Billy Graham gave more than prayer to presidents]

[Billy Graham dies: 'America's Pastor,' adviser to presidents]

The funeral will be held in a tent in the main parking lot of Graham's library as a tribute to the 1949 Los Angeles tent revivals that propelled him to international fame, family spokesman Mark DeMoss said. About 2,000 people are expected at the private, invitation-only funeral.

Trump said last week that Graham was a "great man" who had a "great family" and was "for us" - meaning Trump's campaign - from the beginning.

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