The former first lady passed away at her home in Plains, Georgia.
On Sunday, Nov. 19, former first lady Rosalynn Carter passed away at her home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by family, according to a press release from the Carter Center. She was 96 years old.
Her passing comes after the Carter Center released a statement two days prior announcing that the former first lady had entered home hospice care following a reported decline in health and dementia diagnosis, according to PBS.
Former president Jimmy Carter released a statement in the press release announcing the death of the former first lady.
“Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished,” President 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.”
A lifelong champion of mental health and an activist, Rosalynn Carter was seen as unconventional in her approach to the role of first lady. She was actively involved in cabinet meetings, represented the former president on international trips and was outspoken on many issues, according to Britannica.
She followed her husband through his political journey that took him from state senator to governor and, eventually, to the presidency. Many aides would privately refer to her as “co-president,” and the press referred to her as the “steel magnolia” due to her soft-spoken demeanor that was coupled with her tough, tireless drive when campaigning, according to Bloomberg.
Mrs. Carter and the former president were married for 77 years, the longest of any presidential couple, with the two marking their anniversary in July.
The two met in their hometown of Plains and started dating after Mr. Carter was enrolled in the Naval Academy. They would marry shortly after he graduated and would relocate several times throughout his naval career.
After her father-in-law passed, Rosalynn moved with her family back to Plains and would help run the Carter’s family peanut business. Her husband’s political career and her involvement would officially begin with his run for state Senate and his election in 1962.
She would impart many words of wisdom throughout her life. On leadership, the former first lady had shared what makes a great leader.
“A leader takes people where they want to go,” former first lady Rosalynn Carter once said. “A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.”
Funeral arrangements have not been announced as of the publication of this article. However, the Carter Center has created a tribute page for those interested in viewing memorable moments of her life and leaving a memorial gift.
