Veteran White House butler William 'Buddy' Carter is leaving his job after 47 years service which saw him begin his career work...
Veteran White House butler William 'Buddy' Carter is leaving his job after 47 years service which saw him begin his career working for Ronald Reagan, and end it under Joe Biden.
The longtime staffer is said to be be leaving his role with a small party with colleagues, CNN said Thursday. President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will also host a small lunch for Carter and his family before he departs.
Carter - who started out at the presidential guest accommodation Blair House 47 years ago - moved to serving the White House 32 years ago under Ronald Reagan.
There, he was one of six butlers at the White House Executive Residence, and attended to presidents' day-to-day needs.
Since then Carter has worked with presidents Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump and now Joe Biden.
During his time working with both Republicans and Democrats he is said to have helped with State Dinners and greeted high profiled guests.
He said in 1997: 'Very few people are selected to work here, and I' m one of the few. It' s a wonderful feeling.'
Veteran White House butler William 'Buddy' Carter, pictured in the early 2000s, is leaving his job after 47 years service and working with seven presidents from Ronald Reagan to present day, according to reports. The longtime staffer is said to be be leaving his role with a small party with colleagues, CNN said Thursday
Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. William 'Buddy' Carter worked as a butler for all three
Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Joe Biden. William 'Buddy' Carter worked for each of them too
His close relationships with first families from both ends of the political spectrum led to an invite to both Chelsea Clinton and Jenna Bush's weddings in 2010 and 2008 respectively.
He also was one of two staff to join former First Lady Melania Trump on her government plane to former first lady Barbara Bush's funeral in 2018.
White House spokesperson Stephanie Grisham said at the time: 'Mrs. Trump brought George Hainey, former head Maître D'at the White House, and Buddy Carter, a current butler, to the funeral with her as invited guests.
'She knew they were very close to the Bush family and wanted them to be able to pay their respects.'
Carter, left, has worked with presidents Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, right, George W Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump and now Joe Biden
And he was even serenaded by Donald Trump, who is said to have held up the annual Congressional Ball to sing Happy Birthday to him.
He was the first staff member Bill Clinton would see each morning, and would bring the former president his newspaper and coffee.
Carter was also renowned for his knack for helping organize functions. He knew exactly how the building's sight lines worked, and helped come up with optimum seating arrangements for state dinners.
Carter was also renowned for being able to use plants and other decorations in a way that afforded star guests a dramatic entrance into a room.
A description of his role with Clinton said: 'No two days are alike for the White House butlers, and no two visitors have the same needs and interests.
'Imagine handing a cup of tea to a famous celebrity in the afternoon and then serving dinner to a foreign leader in the evening! Yet Mr. Carter' s grace and style enable him to perform his varied duties with ease.
'On the occasion of a State Dinner, when the First Family hosts a visiting dignitary, Mr. Carter' s day begins early and ends late. He and the other butlers begin setting up tables in the State Dining Room first thing in the morning.'
One co-worker told CNN: 'The history that Buddy has witnessed through the years is astonishing. His eye for knowing how the White House works is unparalleled -- no one knows it better than Buddy.'
Carter is said to be leaving his role to spend more time with his loved ones.
A colleague said: 'Buddy has always been caring and loyal. And that's what makes him so special. He'll be missed.'
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