Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, Advocate for Women’s Rights and Mental Health, Passes Away at 96
Plains, Georgia – Rosalynn Carter, the wife of the 39th U.S. president and former first lady, has died at the age of 96, as confirmed by a statement from the Carter Center. Carter passed away at her home in Plains, Georgia, on Sunday, surrounded by loved ones. She had been under hospice care since Friday, battling dementia.
Former President Jimmy Carter expressed his deep sorrow, stating, “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.”
Serving as the first lady from 1977 to 1981, Rosalynn Carter was a dedicated advocate for women’s rights, mental health, and caregiving. Her commitment to these causes left an indelible mark on the nation.
In a statement, her son Chip Carter remarked, “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. 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.”
Rosalynn Carter is survived by her children Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy, along with her 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. The family mourns the loss of their matriarch, whose impact extended beyond familial ties. In 2015, the family also faced the passing of a grandson. The nation remembers Rosalynn Carter as a trailblazer and a symbol of dedication to public service and advocacy.
Former first lady Rosalynn Carter, who was widely known as a leading advocate for mental health and dedicated humanitarian, has died at the age of 96.@JudyWoodruff looks back on Carter’s life and legacy. pic.twitter.com/2qw7QPbjR1
— PBS NewsHour (@NewsHour) November 19, 2023