Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter Dies at 96: A Look Back on Her Legacy

Rosalynn Carter, the former first lady of the United States and the closest adviser to Jimmy Carter during his one term as president, passed away at the age of 96. The Carter Center announced on Sunday that she died peacefully at her home in Plains, Georgia, after battling dementia and declining health for several months.

Jimmy Carter, expressing his grief, stated, “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.”

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter hold the record for being the longest-married presidential couple, having married in 1946 when they were 21 and 18, respectively. Following Jimmy Carter’s presidency, they continued to play a significant role in initiatives such as the nonprofit Carter Center and the Habitat for Humanity charity.

While Rosalynn Carter was known for her modesty and reserved nature before entering the political stage, she transformed into an eloquent speaker, campaigner, and activist in her role as the first lady. One of her significant areas of focus was advocating for mental health awareness and support.

Rosalynn Carter’s dedication to mental health issues extended beyond her tenure in the White House, stemming from her involvement with improving mental health services in Georgia during the early 1970s. She became a member of a governor’s commission to enhance mental health services while serving as the first lady of Georgia.

The impact of Rosalynn Carter’s advocacy work, her support for her husband’s political career, and her commitment to numerous causes will be remembered as part of her lasting legacy.

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/19/rosalynn-carter-former-us-first-lady-dies-at-96