The world has lost an icon as former first lady Rosalynn Carter has passed away at the age of 96 on Sunday, November 19. At the time of her death, Carter was surrounded by her loving family at her home in Plains, Georgia.
Rosalynn was married to former President Jimmy Carter for more than 70 years and was an active campaigner alongside him throughout his career. Her work as first lady of Georgia and later, the United States, earned her great respect from her peers and those she served.
Rosalynn Smith was born Eleanor Rosalynn Smith on August 18th in 1927 in Plains, Georgia. She grew up with three siblings and attended Georgia Southwestern College at Americus. It was here that she met then-Naval Academy student Jimmy Carter; when they reconnected two years later after his graduation he told his mother “She’s the girl I want to marry.”
The couple tied the knot in July 1946 and went on to have four children together as well as 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren who survive them today.
Our co-founder, former U.S. First Lady Rosalynn Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia.
For more information: https://t.co/82bHoZQvkk pic.twitter.com/2exvnQdtab
— The Carter Center (@CarterCenter) November 19, 2023
When tragedy struck early in her life – her father died when she was only 13 – Rosalynn stepped up to help take care of her young siblings while simultaneously working alongside her mother who had become a dressmaker to support them financially.
This early adversity shaped Rosalyn’s character into one that valued hard work, commitment and love; traits which would serve her well later on during their political campaigns together.
As first lady of both Georgia and the United States during President Carter’s term from 1977 until 1981 Mrs Carter earned herself a distinct role within the East Wing office from which she set out to create what became known as ‘a more caring society.’ Her efforts included challenging age discrimination against older adults, encouraging opportunities for people with developmental disabilities, advancing women’s equality and most notably advocating for improved treatment services for those suffering from mental health conditions; a cause which remained close to her heart throughout the rest of her life.
Sadly it was dementia which eventually led Rosalynn being admitted into hospice care last Friday before passing peacefully at home on Sunday evening surrounded by loved ones including President Jimmy Carter himself who said “Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished”.
