Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter Dies at 96
The Carter Center announced on Sunday that former first lady Rosalynn Carter has passed away at the age of 96. She died peacefully at her home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by her family.
Former President Jimmy Carter expressed his deep sadness in a statement, saying, "Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished. She provided me with wise guidance and unwavering support. Her love was a constant presence in my life as long as she was with us."
In May, it was revealed that Rosalynn Carter had been diagnosed with dementia but continued to live at home with her husband. Last week, her family announced that she had entered home hospice care.
Rosalynn Carter was not just a first lady, but a close confidante and trusted adviser to her husband. She played an active role in the White House and was a passionate advocate for mental health research. Despite not seeking a public life, she recognized the potential of political office to bring about positive change.
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter: A Unique Partnership
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter had a partnership unlike any other known at the time for a president and first lady. Though other first ladies privately advised their husbands, the Carters' bond was deep. Rosalynn Carter was willing to speak her mind to her husband, and he valued her advice. She sat in on Cabinet meetings — a first — and took the heat for it.
"Jimmy Carter has always taught me you do the best you can and you don't worry about the criticism," she told CBS News' Bob Schieffer in October 1980. "It does not matter what you do. It does not matter. I could stay here and pour tea and be a hostess and do nothing else and I would be criticized, or I could have one project — it doesn't matter what I do, it doesn't matter what he does — we're going to be criticized. You just have to have confidence."
Born in Plains on August 18, 1927, the oldest of four children, Rosalynn Smith started dating Jimmy Carter when she was 18. "The first time I had a date with him I came home and mother said, 'You know I like Jimmy, he has the nicest smile,'" she told CBS News' Ed Rabel. "So he's had a nice smile a long time."
The couple married a year later, in 1946. Jimmy Carter was in the Navy, and his job allowed them to see the world. Their three sons were each born in a different place. Rosalynn Carter loved the life and didn't want to return to her small town.
Rosalynn Carter, wife of former President Jimmy Carter, spoke about her decision to return home to Plains, Georgia in the 1950s. She explained that she wanted to be independent and not rely on her mother or Jimmy's mother for advice. However, when Jimmy's father passed away, they returned to Plains to take over the family peanut business. Despite this change, the couple had bigger plans and Jimmy Carter was elected governor of Georgia in 1970. Rosalynn Carter campaigned alongside him and also independently. In the 1976 presidential campaign, she became his eyes and ears in places he couldn't visit. They would meet in Plains every week to discuss their experiences on the campaign trail. They would also take walks on their farm to talk about their goals and impressions of different states.
Former First Lady Continues Advocacy for Mental Health and Peace
Following their move into the White House, the former first lady remained a trusted advisor to her husband and utilized her position to raise awareness about mental illness, a cause she had been dedicated to for many years. As the honorary chairperson of the President's Commission on Mental Health, she worked tirelessly to promote better understanding and support for those affected by mental health conditions.
In addition to her advocacy work, she also embarked on diplomatic trips as the president's emissary, visiting Latin America and representing the United States with grace and diplomacy. Despite the unconventional nature of her role, she embraced the opportunity with a smile and a genuine desire to make a positive impact.
Even after leaving the White House, the former first lady and her husband continued their commitment to public service. They established the Carter Center in Atlanta, a renowned organization dedicated to promoting peace and resolving conflicts. Their efforts extended beyond the borders of the United States, as they embarked on various projects around the world in pursuit of peace and justice.
In recognition of their lifelong dedication to public service and their enduring partnership, President Clinton awarded the Carters the Medal of Freedom in 1999. Their marriage, which spanned over three-quarters of a century, is the longest in the history of the United States presidency. On July 7, 2023, they celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary, a testament to their love and commitment.
Rosalynn Carter Pays Tribute to Betty Ford
Rosalynn Carter spoke at the funeral of her fellow first lady and friend Betty Ford on July 12, 2011, and described her in terms that might well apply to herself: "Isn't this the most appropriate description of Betty? Someone who was willing to do things a bit differently than they had been done before? Someone who had the courage and grace to fight fear, stigma and prejudice wherever she encountered it."
