(Reuters) – Rosalynn Carter, the former first lady of the United States, has passed away at the age of 96, according to the Carter Center. She passed away at her home in Plains, Georgia with her family by her side after entering hospice care in recent days.
She was married to Jimmy Carter, who served as president from 1977 to 1981. They were reportedly the longest-married U.S. presidential couple and had been married since 1946. Her husband, Jimmy Carter, commented that she was his “equal partner in everything” he accomplished and provided him with guidance and encouragement throughout their time together.
Rosalynn Carter was known for her advocacy for mental health and was seen as unassuming and quiet before coming to Washington in 1977. She developed into an eloquent speaker, campaigner, and activist during her time in the White House. She was also instrumental in supporting her husband during his post-White House years, working with the Carter Center and Habitat for Humanity charity.
In May, her family disclosed that she had dementia but was continuing to live at home. Jimmy Carter, 99, is also in hospice care after deciding to decline additional medical intervention earlier this year. Carter referred to Rosalynn as the “pinnacle of my life,” and the two were known to be a team during their time in Washington and beyond.
Rosalynn Carter was an advocate for the mentally ill, even though she had no personal connection to the cause, feeling a strong need for advocacy in the area. She also played an integral role in the unsuccessful campaign for ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
In their post-Washington years, the Carters were key figures in the Habitat For Humanity charity, helping build homes for needy families. Their humanitarian efforts were recognized in 2002 when Jimmy Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Jimmy Carter referred to Rosalynn as an extension of himself and his closest advisor. She was often invited to sit in as an observer at cabinet meetings and political strategy discussions.
Rosalynn Carter’s interest in mental health issues began in the early 1970s while helping her husband campaign for governor. She continued to advocate for mental health, early childhood immunization, human rights, conflict resolution, and the empowerment of urban communities through the Carter Center, which the Carters founded in Atlanta in 1982.
She also spoke about her 1998 book “Helping Someone With Mental Illness” and longed for the day when the mentally ill would be free from discrimination. She also expressed her hope that her legacy would continue and that she had contributed something to improving the lives of people living with mental illnesses.
Rosalynn Carter is survived by her four children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.
