According to the Carter Centre, Rosalynn Carter, the late president Jimmy Carter’s wife and a longstanding supporter of mental health and humanitarian causes, passed away on Sunday in her Plains, Georgia, home surrounded by her loved ones. She was ninety-six years old.
On Friday, the Carter Centre declared that Rosalynn Carter was receiving hospice care. Earlier this year, her family revealed that she had been diagnosed with dementia.
Since February, 99-year-old Jimmy Carter has been receiving hospice care.
Rosalynn was my equal collaborator in all of my endeavours,” the former president declared in a release. When I needed it, she provided me with sage advice and inspiration.
For as long as Rosalynn was alive, I knew that someone cared for and stood by me.
In a joint statement released on Sunday, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden paid tribute to the “hope, warmth, and optimism” of the former first lady.
They commended Carter for her efforts on behalf of topics such as mental health challenges and equal rights. According to the White House statement, Rosalynn Carter’s life and legacy have made the lives of countless individuals “better, fuller, and brighter.”
Rosalynn Carter was also lauded on Sunday by former first lady Laura Bush and former president George W. Bush, who described her as “a woman of dignity and strength.”
“No one was a stronger supporter of President Carter than them, and their collaboration provided a fantastic illustration of faithfulness and dedication.
She has made a significant contribution to the de-stigmatization of mental health. In a prepared statement, the two added, “We join our fellow citizens in sending our condolences to President Carter and their family.”
From 1977 to 1981, Rosalynn Carter held the position of first lady. The media nicknamed her the “Steel Magnolia” because of the harshness that concealed the tender exterior that she wore.
She served as Jimmy Carter’s closest political advisor during his tenure in public service. She also extended the post beyond hostess responsibilities, revolutionising and professionalising the first lady job.