Rosalynn Carter, Former First Lady of the United States and Mental Health Advocate, Dead at 96

Rosalynn Carter, former First Lady of the United States, has died. She was 96.

The news was shared on Sunday, via the official website for the Carter Center. 

“Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, a passionate champion of mental health, caregiving, and women’s rights, passed away Sunday, Nov. 19, at 2:10 p.m. at her home in Plains, Georgia, at the age of 96. She died peacefully, with family by her side,” the statement began. “Mrs. Carter was married for 77 years to Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States and the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, who is now 99 years old.”

Included in the statement, was a message from former President Jimmy Carter, who mourned and celebrated his wife.

“Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished,” he 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.”

Mrs. Carter was also remembered by her son, Chip. 

“Besides being a loving mother and extraordinary First Lady, my mother was a great humanitarian in her own right,” he said. “Her life of service and compassion was an example for all Americans. She will be sorely missed not only by our family but by the many people who have better mental health care and access to resources for caregiving today.”

The news of the former first lady’s death comes two days after it was announced that she entered hospice care. 

Roslyn is survived by her children  Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy, 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Roslyn and Jimmy had a grandson who died in 2015.

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