[1] The estimated noon time temperature was at around 28 °F (−2 °C),[1] but the cold did not stop many excited spectators from catching a glimpse of the new president being sworn into office.

[2] Benedictions were given by Catholic archbishop John Roach and Methodist bishop William Ragsdale Cannon.

[3] Following the swearing-in ceremony, Carter became the first president to walk from the Capitol to the White House in the post-ceremony parade.

[5] Songs performed at Carter's inauguration included Willie Nelson's "Crazy," sung by Linda Ronstadt; Irving Berlin's "God Bless America," sung by Aretha Franklin; "Take Care of This House" from the Broadway musical 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue by Leonard Bernstein and Alan Jay Lerner, performed by Frederica von Stade and the National Symphony Orchestra; and "Bess, You Is My Woman Now" from George Gershwin's Porgy and Bess (lyrics by DuBose Heyward), sung by Donnie Ray Albert and Clamma Dale.

[6] Additionally, America the Beautiful was performed by the United States Marine Band, and the Battle Hymn of the Republic was sung by selected voices from Atlanta University, Clark, Morehouse, Morris Brown, and Spelman Colleges, and the Interdenominational Theological Center.