Rosalynn Carter, the former first lady who dedicated herself to mental health reform and played a key role in professionalizing the position of the president's spouse, passed away on Sunday at the age of 96, as announced by The Carter Center. She died at her home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by her family, as stated by the center.
The Carter Center revealed on Friday, that the former first lady had transitioned to hospice care. She was diagnosed with dementia in May, while her husband commenced home hospice care in February after experiencing several hospital stays.
“Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished,” her husband, former President Jimmy Carter, said. “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.”
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Chip Carter, the couple’s middle son said, “Besides being a loving mother and extraordinary first lady, my mother was a great humanitarian in her own right. Her life of service and compassion was an example for all Americans.”
He added, “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.”
Jimmy Carter faced a decisive defeat at the hands of Ronald Reagan in a landslide four years after his initial election. During his single term in the White House, he achieved a rare peace agreement between Israel and Egypt, which endures to this day. However, his presidency was also marked by challenges such as soaring inflation and the Iran hostage crisis. Throughout these ups and downs, Rosalynn stood steadfastly by his side, often providing counsel.
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The Carters significantly reshaped the post-presidency landscape, bringing about a revolution in their joint efforts. They dedicated themselves to global peace and human rights through The Carter Center, an Atlanta-based nongovernmental organization founded to "wage peace, fight disease, and build hope."
President Joe Biden, who was a Senator during the Carter presidency, along with first lady Jill Biden, expressed in a statement that Rosalynn Carter "walked her own path, inspiring a nation and the world along the way."
The Bidens highlighted her as a staunch advocate for gender equality and opportunities for women and girls. They acknowledged her commitment to mental health and well-being for all individuals, along with her support for the often overlooked caregivers of children, aging family members, and people with disabilities.
Former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump also lauded her.
