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Former first lady Rosalynn Carter died Sunday at the age of 96, shortly after entering hospice care due to dementia.
She was pronounced dead at 2:10 p.m. at the Plains, Georgia, home she shared with her husband of 77 years, former President Jimmy Carter, 99, according to a statement from the Carter Center.
She took her last breath surrounded by her family.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a grandson, who passed away in 2015.
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President Carter said in a statement, “Rosalyn has been my equal partner in everything I have accomplished. She has provided wise guidance and encouragement when I have needed it most.” As long as I existed, I always knew someone would love and support me.”
The Carter family’s son, Chip, said, “In addition to being a loving mother and an extraordinary first lady, my mother was also a great humanitarian in her own right. Her life of service and compassion will be remembered by all. She was a role model for all Americans. She will be sorely missed, not only by our family, but also by the many people today who have access to better mental health care and resources for care. ”
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden remembered her. long statement, “First Lady Rosalynn Carter walked her own path and inspired the nation and the world in the process…On behalf of a grateful nation, we honor President Carter, the entire Carter family, and the world. Sending love to the countless people within.” Because of Rosalynn Carter’s life and work, life in our country and around the world is better, richer, and brighter. ”
former first lady michelle obama reflected“It’s easy to see that there’s no playbook or rules for being first lady. Technically speaking, it’s not even an official title. And while there are verbal and unspoken expectations that provide some structure, Roles are shaped primarily by passion and desire.” First Lady Rosalynn Carter understood this well. ” She praised Mr. Carter’s “amazing accomplishments.”
Born Eleanor Rosalyn Smith on August 18, 1927 in Plains, she began dating future President Carter in 1945 after seeing a photo of him in his Annapolis Navy uniform. They were married on July 7, 1946.
Recognized for playing a key role in Jimmy Carter’s career, Rosalyn effectively campaigned for him in his 1970 candidacy for governor of Georgia. Carter won and served in office from 1971 to 1975, during which time Rosalyn focused on mental health as first lady of his home state.
Fighting for the rights of mentally ill children has been a lifelong mission. She later became the second U.S. first lady to testify before Congress, having championed the topic years before it became popular.
Immediately after their success in Georgia, the couple embarked on a grueling campaign for the US presidential election. Carter defeated President Gerald Ford and served as the 37th president from 1977 to 1981.
Rosalynn Carter took the unusual step of attending her husband’s Cabinet meeting at his invitation, elevating the traditional role of first lady from that of hostess. Some praised her, others opposed her, and some called her her co-president.
The Iran hostage crisis and inflation proved too much for the Carters to overcome, leaving room for President Ronald Reagan to give Carter a one-term term, but after he left the White House. Buoyed by their tireless humanitarianism, the couple’s popularity soared over the next few decades. work.
Rosalyn was the second-oldest living First Lady of the United States, after Bess Truman, who lived to be 97 years old. She and President Carter were married longer than any other president or president, making him the longest-lived U.S. president and the longest-lived president. After her inauguration, she will become the oldest living U.S. president. He is receiving hospice care in Plains.
Details of the funeral and memorial service will be posted soon. here.
