Former U.S. first lady Rosalynn Carter died on Sunday, November 19 at the age of 96 at her home in Plains, Georgia.
Rosalynn served as the U.S First Lady between 1977 and 1981 when her husband Jimmy Carter was the President.
According to a statement by the Carter Center, which was founded by the couple in 1982, the former first lady died with her family by her side.
“Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, a passionate champion of mental health, caregiving, and women’s rights, passed away peacefully, with family by her side,” read part of the statement.
The Carter Center was founded by the couple in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.
In addition, her family in May 2023 disclosed that she had dementia.
Notably, she is survived by her four children — Jeff, Amy, Jack, and Chip.
Furthermore, Mrs. Carter leaves behind 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, having lost a grandson in 2015.
Former President Carter Mourns
Former President Carter joined family and friends mourning the loss of his wife referring to her as an equal partner.
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“She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. If Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me,” lamented Jimmy Carter.
Additionally, the Former US President called his bereaved wife “an extension of myself”.
He called her this owing to her prominent role in his administration even as she tirelessly promoted the cause of mental health.
The couple have been married for 77 years and were the longest-married U.S presidential couple until her demise.
Notably, they wed in 1946 when Rosalynn was aged eighteen whereas Jimmy, the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, was twenty-one.
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“Besides being a loving mother and extraordinary First Lady, my mother was a great humanitarian in her own right,” said Chip Carter.
Rosalynn Carter’s Philanthropic Deeds
The former US president went on to add, “She will be sorely missed not only by our family but by the many people who have better mental health care and access to resources for caregiving today.”
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden said in a statement that Rosalynn inspired the entire nation and the world.
“Rosalynn walked her own path, inspiring a nation and the world along the way.”
Additionally, President Biden who served in the Senate during the Carter presidency, lauded her as a champion for equal rights.
“She was an advocate for mental health and wellness for every person, a supporter of the often unseen and uncompensated caregivers of our children, aging loved ones and people with disabilities,” the Bidens said.
Jimmy Carter, 99, himself is in hospice care after deciding in February to decline additional medical intervention.
