Presidents Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford may have started as political rivals, but they formed a tight bond behind the scenes, a former White House staffer tells PEOPLE. Their connection would span dec

As Gerald Ford’s chief White House photographer, David Hume Kennerly was able to get exclusive access to many scenes from Jimmy Carter’s presidential transition.

"My understanding is that there is a eulogy written that Ford himself did write, and Ford's son Steve will be delivering it at the funeral."

The nation pauses to honor Jimmy Carter for his service as a naval officer, governor and president, and his four decades of humanitarian work after leaving the White House.

Famously competitive and sometimes abrasive, Jimmy Carter had many political rivalries, but he also was determined to reconcile with adversaries.

Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford developed a strong friendship post-presidency, despite being political rivals. Their bond was marked by joint ventures and personal connections, providing mutual support beyond political divides.

An exhibit is open at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids honoring President Jimmy Carter. Carter died on Sunday, Dec. 29, at age 100. Carter served as the 39th U.S. president from 1977 to 1981.

Says Brinkley: "What Ronald Reagan did to Gerald Ford in '76: he questioned whether this man was capable of being president, whether he had what it took. So Jimmy Carter had a very wounded Gerald ...

As the nation mourns former President Jimmy Carter's passing at age 100, his legacy is being honored at the Gerald R. Ford Library and Museum in Grand Rapids.

Gerald Rafshoon helped take Carter from the peanut farm to the White House. Here, he exclusively recalls some of the key moments of a decades-long relationship.