Rosalynn Carter, the esteemed wife of the 39th President Jimmy Carter, passed away peacefully at their Georgia home at the age of 96. An advocate for mental health awareness, she had been diagnosed with dementia earlier this year.
Recently, her family announced her move to hospice care, joining her husband in their shared residence in Plains, Georgia, a place they had called home since before Jimmy Carter’s tenure as a Georgia state senator in 1962. Jimmy Carter expressed deep appreciation for Rosalynn’s unwavering support and guiding presence throughout their lives.
Tributes poured in for her humanitarian efforts, particularly her contributions to improving mental health resources nationwide.
Born Eleanor Rosalynn Smith in 1927 in Plains, she dedicated herself to supporting her husband’s political career while championing mental health advocacy and social justice causes. Notably, she founded the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers in 1987, actively engaging in its initiatives.
Recognizing her extensive advocacy work, the Carter Center, a human rights non-profit established by the couple, emphasized the importance of addressing the stigma surrounding mental health.
Several political figures and organizations paid homage to her legacy, acknowledging her diplomatic missions, her endeavors for mental health parity, and her charitable work alongside her husband.
Renowned for their involvement with Habitat for Humanity, Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter were praised for their commitment to enhancing housing conditions worldwide. Their enduring bond, celebrated through their 75th wedding anniversary in 2021, was marked alongside their four children.
Her journey began post-high school at Georgia Southwestern College. In 1945, a pivotal date with Jimmy Carter, a childhood acquaintance returning from the U.S. Naval Academy, significantly influenced her life. Their marriage on July 7, 1946, led them to Virginia, where they raised their four children: John William, James Earl III, Donnel Jeffrey, and Amy Lynn.
During Jimmy Carter’s presidency, Rosalynn actively participated in his administration, attending Cabinet meetings, key briefings, and representing the White House at formal events. She was also an honorary member of a mental health commission and accompanied the president on diplomatic missions to Latin America.
An accomplished author, her books, including the 1984 memoir “First Lady From Plains” and three mental health-focused works, exemplified her dedication. In 1982, she co-founded the Carter Center, collaborating with Emory University in Atlanta on human rights issues. Later, she established the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving at Georgia Southwestern State University.