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Rosalynn Carter has died: Former first lady was 96

Rosalynn Carter has died: Former first lady was 96

Former first lady Rosalynn Carter, who was an influential partner of her husband Jimmy Carter during his unlikely rise to the Georgia governor’s mansion, then the White House and later in his influential post-presidency, died today at the age of 96. one year. Carter Center announced.

Carter, who suffered from dementia, was admitted to hospice on Friday. She died at 2:10 p.m. ET at her and her husband’s home in Plains, Georgia, the center said.

Jimmy Carter said in a statement: “Rosalynn has been my equal partner in everything I’ve ever accomplished. She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew that someone loves me and supports me.” The Carters were married for 77 years, the longest of any presidential couple.The former president, now 99, entered hospice care earlier this year.

As first lady from 1977 to 1981, Carter used her platform to advocate for mental health and women’s health, deviating from the traditional role in the White House. Many years later, the former president described their relationship as a “full partnership.”

Her son, Chip Carter, said in a statement: “My mother was not only a loving mother and an exceptional first lady, but also a great humanitarian in her own right.” Her life of service and compassion was a role model for all Americans. She will be missed not only by our family, but also by the many people who today have better mental health care and access to care resources.”

At the White House, the First Lady has focused on mental health and health care during her tenure, including work on major initiatives and legislation. Unlike some other first wives, she entered politics when her husband moved into public life after starting a farming business in Plains.

She told the AP in 2021: “I love it. I like campaigns. I had the best time. I have been to every state in the United States. The last time we competed, I fought hard every day.”

During her husband’s tenure, she discussed matters with him and advocated for important legislation. In an interview with Bette Davis for Dinah Shore’s daytime talk show in 1978, Carter responded to critics who questioned the president’s decision to send her abroad in his place.

“Me representing Jimmy shows that he’s interested in a personal interest and not just a diplomatic matter between leaders,” Carter told Davis. “I think it always helps.”

Eleanor Rosalynn Smith was born on August 18, 1927 in Plains, Georgia, the first of four children. Her father died when she was a teenager, forcing her to help her mother raise the family. She was friends with Ruth Carter, Jimmy Carter’s younger sister, in the summer of 1945 when the future president was on leave from the Naval Academy in Annapolis. Ruth Carter recommended that Rosalynn and her brother go on a double date with her and her boyfriend.

As Jonathan Alter’s book says: His very best: Jimmy Carter A LifeJimmy picked up Rosalynn and was immediately blown away. Almost half a century later, he even wrote a poem about that moment:

I will pay to sit behind her, blind to everything

was on the screen and watch the image flicker

on her hair.

I would beam as her hushed voice brightened

my confused thoughts, like lightning flashing in

a gloomy sky.

They married the following year, on July 7, 1946.

In an interview with the AP shortly before their 75th wedding anniversary, Jimmy Carter said marrying Rosalynn Smith was the most important decision he made. “My biggest secret is to marry the right person if you want a lasting marriage,” he said.

She said, “Jimmy and I are always looking to do things together,” adding that it’s also important to give each other “some space.”

The Carters surprised many in Plains in September when they left their modest home to drive through the Peanut Festival parade in an SUV. This was her last public appearance.

Rosalynn Carter is survived by three other children – Jack, Jeff and Amy – as well as eleven grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. A grandson died in 2015.

Funeral services have not yet been announced.

There is more to come.

Source: Deadline

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