Rosalynn Carter receives tributes from around the world after her death at the age of 96.
The former first lady died at home Sunday afternoon surrounded by family, including her husband, the nation’s 39th president, Jimmy Carter.
She entered hospital on Friday, nearly six months after being diagnosed with dementia and after her husband, now aged 99, entered hospital himself in February this year.
Known for her advocacy of mental health and human rights throughout her life, the former first lady was honored with messages from world leaders as well as many other political and public figures.
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden released a statement Sunday, remembering Rosalynn for “inspiring the nation and the world” with her commitment to addressing “many of society’s greatest needs.”
“She was an advocate for equal rights and opportunities for women and girls; an advocate for mental health and well-being for every person; and a supporter of the often unseen and undercompensated caregivers of our children, elderly loved ones and people with disabilities,” the Bidens wrote, noting the enduring love between Rosalynn and her wife.
“Above all, the deep love that Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter share is the definition of a partnership, and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism. She lived her life according to her faith,” the statement continued.
“Again and again, throughout the more than four decades of our friendship — through grueling campaigns, through the darkness of deep and profound loss — we have always felt the hope, warmth and optimism of Rosalynn Carter. She will always be in our hearts.”
Vice President Kamala Harris also issued a statement honoring Rosalynn’s life of service and leadership.
“During her time in the White House, Rosalynn Carter redefined the role of First Lady. Through her courageous advocacy, Mrs. Carter helped bring the issue of mental health from the shadows into the national spotlight and served as a champion for America’s caregivers. In her travels abroad, Mrs. Carter she worked to advance human rights and human dignity,” Harris said in a statement.
“After leaving the White House, Mrs. Carter continued to serve our nation and the world — particularly through her leadership of the Carter Center, which she founded with President Jimmy Carter to promote peace, improve public health, and support freedom and democracy around the world,” it said. press release. “As a humanitarian, public servant and global leader, Mrs. Carter improved the lives of millions – and inspired countless others to dedicate their lives to service. Her legacy will be a beacon for generations to come.”
Former First Lady Michelle Obama also paid tribute to Rosalynn in a post on x, touching on their shared experience in White House roles. “You learn very quickly that there is no manual or rules for being a first lady. Technically, it’s not even an official position. And while there are spoken and unspoken expectations that provide some structure, the role is largely shaped by the passions and aspirations of the person who holds it. First Lady Rosalynn Carter understood this well,” she wrote.
“Driven by her steadfast faith and her commitment to service, Ms. Carter has used her platform in deeply meaningful ways. Her groundbreaking work to combat the stigma faced by those struggling with their mental health has illuminated so much suffering in silence,” he continued. Obama.
“Today, Barack and I join the world in celebrating the extraordinary legacy of a First Lady, a philanthropist and advocate who dedicated her life to uplifting others. Her life is a reminder that no matter who we are, our legacies are best measured not in awards or accolades, but in the lives we touch,” Obama added.
Former Vice President Al Gore — who served from 1993 to 2001 alongside then-President Bill Clinton and is known for his environmental activism — posted a heartfelt tribute shortly after the former first lady’s death was announced, praising her as a leader and remembering the time when they worked together over the years.
Jimmy Carter called late wife Rosalynn his ‘equal partner in everything’ after her death at 96
“Rosalynn Carter was an extraordinary leader. Unwavering in her partnership with her husband, Jimmy, she built on the work they had done together advocating for mental health, human rights and the needs of children around the world,” Gore wrote in post on X (formerly known as Twitter).
“I was blessed to be able to work with her on many issues and still fondly remember building homes together for Habitat for Humanity. My prayers are with the Carter family at this difficult time. May she rest in peace,” he concluded. .
Robert Franklin/South Bend Tribune via AP
Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter Relationship Timeline
Former President Donald Trump paid tribute to Rosalynn’s life and work on behalf of himself and his wife, Melania Trump, in a message shared on Truth Social.
“Melania and I join all Americans in mourning the loss of Rosalynn Carter. She was a dedicated first lady, a great humanitarian, an advocate for mental health and the beloved wife of her husband of 77 years, President Carter,” he wrote.
The nation’s 45th president continued: “In a life that spanned nearly a century, Rosalynn Carter earned the admiration and gratitude of our entire nation. From her days as a U.S. Navy spouse, to the Georgia Governor’s Mansion, to her tenure as First Lady of the United States, and her subsequent work at the Carter Center and volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, she leaves behind a legacy of extraordinary achievement and national service.”
“Our prayers are with the former president, the Carter family and the entire Plains, Georgia community that she loved so much!” his message concluded.
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Rosalynn Carter at the MusiCares 25th Anniversary 2015 Person of the Year Gala Honoring Bob Dylan at the Los Angeles Convention Center on February 6, 2015 in Los Angeles, California.
(Michael Kovac/WireImage)
Meanwhile, a former first lady herself, Melania also released her own tribute on Sunday, highlighting Rosalynn’s lasting legacy in both politics and her personal life.
“Rosalynn Carter leaves behind a significant legacy not only as first lady, but also as a wife and mother,” she said wrote on Xadding, “We will always remember her servant’s heart and devotion to her husband, family and country. May she rest in peace.”
Maria Schriver, the former first lady of California — her tenure lasted from 2003 to 2011 when ex-husband Arnold Schwarzenegger was governor of California — paid tribute to Rosalynn in a heartfelt message that paid tribute to the former first lady’s attitude, work and approach to life.
“Rosalynn Carter served her country with strength and grace,” she wrote on X. “She was someone I got to work with, and someone I deeply respected. Thank you, Mrs. Carter, for all you did, for the way who used your voice, for the love you radiated. My deepest condolences to the love of her life, former president Jimmy Carter, and their entire family. ❤️
New York Senator Chuck Schumer was another one of the first to post a tribute to Rosalynn on social media.
IN post on Xhe praised the former first lady for her lifetime of service.
“First Lady Rosalynn Carter dedicated her life to serving others. America has lost a passionate humanitarian and advocate for people around the world,” Schumer wrote.
– My heart goes out to her entire family – he concluded his message.
Another US senator, Cory Booker, reflected on Rosalynn’s life in his address and recognized her long relationship with her husband, Jimmy.
“Rosalynn Carter devoted her entire life to serving others. As First Lady, she served our country with grace and kindness. My heart goes out to her love of more than 75 years, President Carter and their family today,” he said. wrote on X with a photo of myself with the Carters.
Added New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, who also serves as House Minority Leader on X that he was “deeply saddened” by Rosalynn’s death and described her as “a beloved first lady and a wonderful humanitarian, she led a life of service and compassion.”
“May God bless President Jimmy Carter and his family at this difficult time,” he wrote.
Bernice King, daughter of the late Martin Luther King Jr. shared her condolences and sent her “love and prayers” to the Carters.
“Blessed peacemakers…” Love and prayers for former first lady, #RosalynnCarter, and former president, #JimmyCarter,” Bernice wrote on X alongside a photo of the former first lady and former president.
She later shared second postin two parts, which began: “Today we mourn the loss of an extraordinary woman and dear friend of the King family and The King Center, former First Lady #RosalynnCarter.”
Her second post in the same thread read: “Her dedication to peace and tireless efforts, along with her husband, former President #JimmyCarter, to positively impact our nation and the world will be remembered. Our hearts go out to President Carter and the Carter family during this hard time. @CarterCenter.”
Actress Mia Farrow, known for her long history of humanitarian activism, including her work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, shared a simple message of thanks on X.
“Thank you!! Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter,” she wrote, including several pictures of Rosalynn at different times in her life in her post.
Rosalynn, who married Jimmy in 1946, served as first lady during her husband’s term as president, from 1977 to 1981, during which time she became known for her mental health advocacy work, including serving as honorary chair of the President’s Commission for mental health.
After leaving the White House, she and Jimmy started The Carter Center. Among her duties at the organization, which focuses on health and human rights, Rosalynn chaired the center’s Mental Health Task Force.
In the 1980s, she and Jimmy began a partnership with Habitat for Humanity, called the Carter Work Project. Since then, the nonprofit has helped build more than 4,000 homes, and until recently, the Carters were known for their involvement in ongoing projects.
In addition to serving as the Centennial Distinguished Lecturer at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia and authoring five books and among other honors, Rosalynn was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Bill Clinton in 1999 and was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 2001 .
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She is survived by the couple’s four children and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In a 2014 interview with PEOPLE, the Carters reflected on their life together, and during the conversation, one of the secrets of their long romance was revealed: They were a couple who still read to each other in bed every night.
“We started 40 years ago, and I don’t think we’ve ever missed a night,” Jimmy said.
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