It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Rosalynn Carter, beloved wife of 39th President Jimmy Carter, has passed away at her home in Georgia.
Rosalynn Carter, a mental health advocate and social justice activist, leaves a remarkable legacy that extends beyond her role as First Lady. Born Eleanor Rosalynn Smith in August 1927, Rosalynn Carter supported her husband’s political career and dedicated her life to changing the world.
The couple lived together in the one-story residence in Plains after Jimmy Carter was elected to the Georgia Senate in 1962. In recent months, both Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter have been receiving home health care. While Jimmy has been receiving lifelong treatment since last February, Rosalyn’s health has deteriorated since she was diagnosed with dementia last May.
Despite the challenges they faced, their unwavering love and devotion to each other was an inspiration to us all.
Rosalynn Carter has been a lifelong advocate for mental health awareness. She founded the Rosalynn Carter Caregiver Institute in 1987 to provide invaluable support and resources to caregivers. The Carter Center, a human rights organization founded by the couple, recognized her contribution to mental health and her tireless work to fight stigma.
“As we did half a century ago, we recognize that stigma often prevents people and their families from seeking and receiving the support they need,” the Carter Center said in a statement earlier this year. They hope that sharing their family’s news will spur important conversations about mental health across the country.
Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter were also big fans of Habitat for Humanity.
Under the banner of their namesake, the Carter Work Project, they raised awareness and money for the organization. They weren’t afraid to get their hands dirty and were constantly involved in construction projects.
Their dedication to improving the lives of others embodied a true spirit of service. Despite their popular and influential role, the Carter family remained strong and loyal to their roots. They met during World War II when Jimmy was attending the Naval Academy in Maryland, and by then their families already knew each other. They married in 1946 and worked together on the Carter family’s peanut farm before Jimmy’s political career took off.
Their love and partnership spanned over 75 years and the couple celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary in 2021. They raised four children together: Jack, Chip, James and Amy. As their sons reached adulthood during Jimmy’s presidency, their youngest daughter Amy, 9, gained national attention and became one of the most famous child residents in White House history.
Rosalynn Carter’s unwavering spirit, unwavering integrity and unwavering commitment to making a difference will be sorely missed. He left an indelible mark not only as a faithful husband and protector of our people, but also as an example to all who seek positive change.
As we mourn her death, let’s honor Rosalynn Carter’s legacy, continue the important conversations she started, support health care workers, and raise awareness about mental health. It may be gone, but its impact lives on in countless lives and the radical changes it brought about.
