Rosalynn Carter passed away on November 19th, at age 96—Rosalynn was married to President Carter for 75 years. In 1977, Jimmy Carter became the President of the United States. The former first lady died just a mere two days after entering hospice.
Rosalynn Carter Had Been Diagnosed with Dementia
Doctors diagnosed Mrs. Carter with dementia six months ago, had been declining in health, and joined her husband for end-of-life care.
Jimmy Carter pays tribute to his late wife,
“Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I accomplished. 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 born in Plains, Georgia, on August 18th, 1927. She was the oldest of four children, born to parents Allethea Murray Smith and Wilburn Edgar Smith. Rosalynn was raised in a small town, acquired strong family values, and was faithful to her church.
She graduated from high school and completed her college education at Georgia Southwestern College in Americus. She met Jimmy Carter in 1945.
The future President exclaimed to his mother after his initial date with Rosalynn that she was the girl he was going to marry, and he was right.
The young couple married in 1946 and started a family. They had four children: John William, James Earl III, Donell Jeffrey, and Amy Lynn.
The First Lady Assisted President Carter With His Political Career
President Carter stepped onto the political canvas in 1962. He secured a seat in the Georgia Senate in 1962 and served until 1967. He went on to become governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975.
Jimmy Carter defeated his opponent, Gerald Ford, in 1976 and won the presidential election. Rosalynn was incredibly proud.
Rosalynn was a humanitarian and mental health advocate who served her country well, as she was first lady from 1977 to 1981. She was heavily involved in public service and advocated for many causes. One of her many passions was mental health research. From 1977 to 1978, The First Lady was the Honorary Presiding Officer of the Commission on Mental Health.
The first lady was always outspoken and an eloquent speaker. Rosalynn was a great help to President Carter during his time in the White House. She said once,
“Jimmy’s always talked things over with me, like when choosing the Vice President or Cabinet. I’ve always been involved in meetings. I always tell him what I think, Even if I disagree. And I will continue to do that.”
Mrs. Carter received much praise for her impeccable instincts and down-to-earth personality. The people will never forget her for always being ready and willing to help people.
President Biden reacted to Mrs. Carter’s death,
“(The Carters) are an incredible family who brought so much grace to the office.”
“He had this great integrity, still does, and she did too. God bless them.”
President Biden told reporters he had spoken to Jimmy Carter, who was home with his children and grandchildren.
The Carters were active in public life until they went into hospice care. The Carter Center, a nonprofit human rights administration started by Jimmy and Rosalynn in 1982, has a condolence book and is said to be informing the public of funeral services as soon as they are arranged.
For any other soap opera and entertainment news, please visit again Daily Soap Dish.