Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, an unwavering champion of mental health and human rights, breathed her last at the age of 96 on a somber Sunday afternoon at her Plains, Georgia residence. Her demise, two days after entering hospice care following a dementia diagnosis in May, marks the end of a remarkable life dedicated to public service and advocacy.
Married to the 39th President, Jimmy Carter, for an unparalleled 77 years, Rosalynn’s impact extended far beyond the White House. As the honorary chair of the President’s Commission on Mental Health during Jimmy’s presidency, she played a pivotal role in the passage of the Mental Health Systems Act in 1980. Post-White House, the Carters founded The Carter Center, focusing on health and human rights causes.
Rosalynn’s commitment to humanitarian work was further exemplified through her partnership with Habitat for Humanity’s Carter Work Project, where she and Jimmy actively participated in construction projects. Beyond her public roles, she was a prolific author, writing five books.
Her legacy endures not only in the annals of American history but in the countless lives touched by her advocacy. As the nation mourns, Rosalynn Carter’s impact on mental health awareness and human rights remains an indelible part of her enduring legacy.
Rosalynn Carter: A Lifetime of Love and Legacy Comes to a Poignant End
Rosalynn Carter, the former First Lady and enduring partner to President Jimmy Carter for 77 years, passed away at her Plains, Georgia home on Sunday at the age of 96. Rosalynn’s remarkable life was marked by her unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy, human rights, and an extraordinary love story with the nation’s 39th president.
Born Eleanor Rosalynn Smith in 1927, Rosalynn’s journey with Jimmy began in their childhood in Plains. From a chance meeting in a hospital three days after her birth to a whimsical movie date during Jimmy’s Naval Academy days, their love story transcended decades. The couple navigated military life, politics, and activism, co-founding the Carter Center post-White House to champion health and human rights.
Their enduring romance, highlighted by the nightly tradition of reading to each other, faced its toughest test when Jimmy battled cancer in 2015. Despite the challenges, their bond prevailed.
In February, as 99-year-old Jimmy entered hospice care, Rosalynn faced the inevitable prospect of a world without him. Her passing now brings to a poignant close one of the most enduring love stories in American political history. The legacy of Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter, marked by love, partnership, and advocacy, will continue to inspire generations to come.
Jimmy Carter Mourns the Loss of Rosalynn
Former President Jimmy Carter is grappling with the profound loss of his wife, Rosalynn Carter, who passed away at 96 in their Plains, Georgia residence. The iconic couple celebrated 77 years of marriage, leaving a legacy of love, partnership, and public service.
Rosalynn, a staunch advocate for mental health and human rights, played an integral role in Jimmy’s political journey, standing by his side during his presidency from 1977 to 1981. Beyond their public life, the Carters were inseparable, sharing a deep bond that endured the test of time.
Jimmy, at 99, paid a moving tribute to his wife, stating, “Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished. 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.”
The couple’s enduring love story began in 1946, and over the decades, they navigated the challenges of public service, personal hardships, and health issues together. Rosalynn’s impact reached far beyond the political sphere, making her a respected figure in her own right.
The nation mourns the passing of a remarkable woman whose life was characterized by compassion, advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.