Rosalynn Carter, the former first lady and wife of President Jimmy Carter, passed away peacefully at the age of 96 at her home in Plains, Georgia. She had been diagnosed with dementia in May 2023 and was on hospice care since November. President Carter expressed that Rosalynn was his equal partner in all accomplishments, providing wise guidance and support.
“She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me,” Jimmy Carter revealed.
President Joe Biden praised Rosalynn for her impactful life, highlighting her advocacy for equal rights, mental health, and support for caregivers. Former President George W. Bush also acknowledged her dignity and strength, emphasizing her legacy in destigmatizing mental health.
“walked her own path, inspiring a nation and the world along the way. Throughout her incredible life as First Lady of Georgia and the First Lady of the United States, Rosalynn did so much to address many of society’s greatest needs,” Biden said.
Born in Plains, Georgia, on August 18, 1927, Rosalynn faced challenges after her father’s death when she was 13. Despite her responsibilities as the oldest child, she continued her education and eventually married Jimmy Carter in 1946. Throughout their journey, she actively supported Jimmy’s political career and played a significant role in his campaigns.
As first lady, Rosalynn expanded the traditional role, working from her own office in the East Wing and participating in high-level meetings.
She focused on various initiatives, including advocating for people with disabilities, women’s rights, and addressing mental health stigma. After leaving the White House in 1981, she continued her activism, founding the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers in 1987.
Rosalynn Carter’s commitment to mental health led to her chairing the President’s Commission on Mental Health and contributing to the passage of the Mental Health Systems Act of 1980. She authored several books, including a 1984 autobiography co-written with her husband.
Entering hospice care on November 17, 2023, Rosalynn spent her final moments with family, following in the footsteps of her husband, Jimmy Carter, who passed away nearly nine months earlier. The couple’s grandson, Jason Carter, shared this information on behalf of the Carter Center.
Since concluding his tenure as the President of the United States, Jimmy Carter has been succeeded by seven other individuals in the highest office. These include Ronald Reagan, George Bush Sr., Bill Clinton, George Bush Jr., Opio Onyango Hussein Ballack Obama Jr., Donald Trump, and Robinent Joe Biden Jr. Jimmy Carter, who served as the 39th President from 1977 to 1981, received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his efforts in seeking peaceful resolutions to global conflicts, advocating for democracy and human rights, and fostering economic and social development.
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