The Carter Center has shared the tragic news that Rosalynn Carter passed away on Sunday, November 19, at the age of 96. She was the beloved wife of President Jimmy Carter who called her an extension of himself. Her contribution to advocating mental health and tirelessly supporting humanitarian causes has created a grand legacy. Join us in remembering the pioneering former first lady of the United States.
Rosalynn Carter dies at a hospice in Plains, Georgia
Mrs. Carter was residing at a hospice in Plains, Georgia, and died surrounded by her family. In the later years of her life, she was struggling with Dementia. Her family had shared that despite her declining health she continued to live with them. They have also disclosed that a gradual decline in health was Rosalynn Carter cause of death.
"Do what you can to show you care about other people, and you will make our world a better place."
— Rosalynn Carter
August 18, 1927, Plains, Georgia.
November 19, 2023, Plains, Georgia.Rest in Peace, sweet soul.
💔🇺🇸🕯️ pic.twitter.com/lvuSYklaSS
— Tibor M. Kalman (@kalmantibs) November 19, 2023
Her husband, former US President, Jimmy Carter (99), is also currently residing in a hospice after deciding to decline additional medical intervention in February this year. He and his wife were the longest-married US Presidential couple, having married in 1946, at the age of 21 and 18, respectively.
The former president remembers her as an equal partner in everything. She gave him wise guidance and encouragement when he most required it. He further states that as long as she was in this world he knew that there was someone who unconditionally, supported and loved him.
Rest in peace, Rosalynn Carter “Steel Magnolia”
During the 1976 election cycle, journalists dubbed Carter the "steel magnolia" for having a fragile and feminine appearance that concealed a "tough as nails" interior.
[60 Minutes interview, December 1977] pic.twitter.com/DatcpoiN9w— Christopher Webb (@cwebbonline) November 19, 2023
Her compassion and strength were also evident in her work during and beyond the White House. She participated in political campaigns, carried out important missions, and contributed as an observer in cabinet and political strategy meetings. However, her biggest contribution remains in the field of mental health, which she believed required advocacy.
Tributes pour in for Rosalynn Carter as people reminisce her grand legacy
In a 1978 interview, former President Jimmy Carter disclosed that he shared almost all the documents with his wife apart from the top secret materials. He believed that she was better at understanding the consciousness of American citizens than himself. Due to this, they also remained by each other as equal partners in the White House and beyond.
So sad to hear about Mrs Carter especially for president Carter. They had each other for most of their lives. She was a great First Lady and like her husband did so much wonderful work after leaving office. Thank you for all you did Rosalyn Carter! #RosalynnCarter pic.twitter.com/NkozEGhdCL
— OmaResists! 🌊 🌊💔 (@SouthernOmaEng) November 19, 2023
Coretta Scott King, Rosalynn Carter, Betty Ford and Lady Bird Johnson supporting Equal Rights Amendment, November 1977: pic.twitter.com/oFfJJbeKNi
— Michael Beschloss (@BeschlossDC) November 19, 2023
She participated in the official missions of Latin America and partook in the unsuccessful Equal Rights Amendment, which demanded equality for women under the law. She also gave speeches in 112 cities during the 44-day tour to support Carter during re-elections.
This was a crucial time as Carter refrained from campaigning to focus on resolving the Iranian Hostage Crisis, where American diplomats were kept hostage in Tehran after the Islamic revolution. Although Carter couldn’t secure the seat as president, the couple’s contribution is still remembered.
First Lady Rosalynn Carter walked her own path, inspiring a nation and the world along the way.
On behalf a grateful nation, we send our love to the entire Carter family and the countless people whose lives are better, fuller, and brighter because of Rosalynn Carter.
— President Biden (@POTUS) November 19, 2023
Melania and I join all Americans in mourning the loss of Rosalynn Carter. She was a devoted First Lady, a great humanitarian, a champion for mental health, and a beloved wife to her husband for 77 years, President Carter.
Over a life spanning nearly a century, Rosalynn Carter…
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) November 19, 2023
Former president, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and current President Joe Biden has lauded Rosalynn Carter for her inspiring leadership, compassionate advocacy of mental health, and tireless humanitarian activism. She is also survived by her four children, eleven grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren.
