Rosalynn Carter was a writer, activist, and humanitarian.
Rosalynn Carter, the wife of former President Jimmy Carter, died on Sunday, November 19th at the age of 96. The Carter Center released a statement on behalf of the family sharing the news and adding that she passed away peacefully with family by her side at her home in Plains, Georgia.
“Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished,” Jimmy Carter said. “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 Carter was a tireless advocate for mental health and will be remembered for her efforts to eliminate the stigma attached to people who struggle with mental illnesses as well as her passion for improving access to mental health treatment.
She is survived by her husband Jimmy Carter and four children – Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy – and 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Her son Chip Carter said:
“Besides being a loving mother and extraordinary First Lady, my mother was a great humanitarian in her own right. Her life of service and compassion was an example for all Americans. She will be sorely missed not only by our family but by the many people who have better mental health care and access to resources for caregiving today.”
Rosalynn Carter entered hospice care on November 17th.
The Carter Center released a statement on Friday, November 17th, giving an update on the health of Rosalynn on behalf of the family:
“Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter has entered hospice care at home. She and President Carter are spending time with each other and their family. The Carter family continues to ask for privacy and remains grateful for the outpouring of love and support.”
Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter founded the Carter Center in 1982.
The former President and First Lady partnered with Emory University to create the Carter Center, a non-profit organization committed to advocating for human rights and alleviating human suffering. The organization aims to “prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health.”
In the 40+ years since its creation, the Carter Center has strengthened international standards for human rights, has pioneered new public health approaches to preventing or controlling neglected diseases in Africa and Latin America, and has advanced efforts to improve mental health care in many countries.
A tribute site has been created for Rosalynn Carter and can be found at www.rosalynncartertribute.org.