Rosalynn Carter Wife of President Jimmy Carter Passes away at 96 ,
Rosalynn Carter passed away peacefully on November 19, 2023, at the age of 96, at her home in Plains, Georgia. Her family announced in May 2023 that she had been diagnosed with dementia. She was the second-longest-lived first lady after Bess Truman, and was the longest-married first lady. Her legacy of advocacy and service continues to inspire many.
An activist
Rosalynn Carter, born Eleanor Rosalynn Smith, was an American writer, activist, and the First Lady of the United States from 1977 to 1981. She was the wife of President Jimmy Carter and a leading advocate for numerous causes, including mental health.
Early Life and Education
Born on August 18, 1927, in Plains, Georgia1, Carter graduated as salutatorian of Plains High School. She attended Georgia Southwestern College and graduated in 1946. She married Jimmy Carter, also from Plains, in the same year.
Political Journey
Carter was politically active during her husband’s presidency and declared that she had no intention of being a traditional first lady. She supported her husband’s public policies as well as his social and personal life1. In order to remain fully informed, she sat in on Cabinet meetings at the invitation of the President. Carter also represented her husband in meetings with domestic and foreign leaders, including as an envoy to Latin America in 1977.
Advocacy
Throughout her life, Carter was a passionate champion of mental health, caregiving, and women’s rights. She was politically astute and active, and one of the most popular of all American first ladies. After leaving the White House in 1981, Carter continued to advocate for mental health and other causes, and wrote several books. She and her husband contributed to the expansion of the nonprofit housing organization Habitat for Humanity.
