Rosalynn Carter, the spouse of ex-President Jimmy Carter, dedicated four years to the nation as the First Lady of the United States. However, this period constituted only a fraction of her extensive life devoted to public service. Her recent demise has prompted an outpouring of sorrow across America.
The Carter Foundation declared on November 19 that Mrs. Carter has passed away in Plains, Georgia, her hometown. At the age of 96, she succumbed to her illness after being under hospice care for the preceding two days. The former first lady was a strong proponent of mental health reform in the United States.
After leaving the White House, the Carters committed the ensuing four decades to traveling globally and championing the cause of human rights and peace.In their homeland, they collaborated with Habitat for Humanity, constructing homes for economically disadvantaged American families. This undertaking persisted until they reached their 90s.
In a statement released through their foundation, former President Carter described his wife as his equal partner in every accomplishment. He conveyed that she offered him wise guidance and encouragement throughout their marriage that lasted for 77 years.
Condolences flooded in from other surviving first families. In a statement, former President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush described Mrs. Carter as a woman of dignity and strength. They acknowledged her legacy in destigmatizing mental health and extended their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved.
STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH AND MRS. @laurawbush ON FORMER FIRST LADY ROSALYNN CARTER: pic.twitter.com/5PTkYstNCT
— George W. Bush Presidential Center (@TheBushCenter) November 19, 2023
Former President Barack Obama echoed the sentiments of his wife, former First Lady Michelle Obama, by stating that Mrs. Carter’s life serves as a reminder that the true measure of our lives lies in the people we impact, not just the awards and accolades we receive.
Rosalynn Carter’s 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. We send our thoughts and prayers to Jimmy and the entire Carter family during this difficult time. https://t.co/lqgcusqIhy
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) November 20, 2023
Former President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump released a joint statement on TRUTH Social, describing the late First Lady as a dedicated figure, a significant humanitarian, an advocate for mental health, and a beloved spouse to the former president.
Former President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton conveyed that Mrs. Carter served as an unwavering champion for those often overlooked and underrepresented. They emphasized that she would be commemorated as the embodiment of a purposeful life.
Rosalynn Carter was the embodiment of a life lived with purpose. My and Hillary’s full statement: pic.twitter.com/VJHfc8oLh4
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) November 19, 2023
In a joint statement, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden lauded Mrs. Carter for her extensive contributions to the American people, describing her as the embodiment of patriotism.