Rosalynn Carter’s memorial service took place on November 28th, and several people stood in front of the huge crowd to eulogize her.
On Sunday, November 19th, the remarkable Rosalynn Carter, wife of former President Jimmy Carter, passed away at the age of 96. The Carter Center released a statement on behalf of the family, containing a quote from President Carter that read,
“Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished. She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me.”
Rosalynn is survived by her husband of 77 years, their children Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy, 11 grandchildren, and 14-great-grandchildren.
President Carter, who has been in hospice care, attended the memorial in a wheelchair.
President Carter was wheeled in as a pianist was performing a hymn and everyone was standing, paying their respects. He sat between his children and near President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. Next to them sat President Clinton, and former First Ladies Hilary Clinton, Laura Bush, Michelle Obama, and Melania Trump.
Amy Carter reads a letter her dad wrote to her mom 75 years ago.
When it was Amy’s turn to eulogize her mother, she chose to read something her father had written many decades ago.
“I chose something that is hard to read without crying,” she said standing at a podium. “My mom spent most of her life in love with my dad. Their partnership and love story was a defining feature of her life. Because he isn’t able to speak to you today, I am going to share some of his words about loving and missing her.”
Amy then began reading a letter that Jimmy wrote Rosalynn when he was serving in the Navy 75 years ago. They had been married two years.
“My darling, every time I have ever been away from you, I have been thrilled when I returned to discover just how wonderful you are. While I am away, I try to convince myself that you really are not, could not be as sweet and beautiful as I remember. But when I see you, I fall in love with you all over again. Does that seem strange to you? It doesn’t to me. Goodbye, darling. Until tomorrow. Jimmy.”
President Carter had a way with words 75 years ago, and we’re sure he is feeling that same pain, but intensified now that his beloved Rosalynn is gone. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Carter family.
During the ceremony, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood performed “Imagine.”
Watch Amy’s speech below.