Rosalynn Carter, the wife of former United States of America President, Jimmy Carter has died aged 96. She died peacefully with her family by her side at her home in Plains, Georgia, according to the Carter Center, a not-for-profit organization founded by her husband of 77 years, former president Jimmy Carter. "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 Carter Center stated on Sunday.
Her husband while paying his tribute said, “Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever 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.”
Mrs. Carter is survived by her children Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy, 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
One grandson died in 2015, the Carter Center said.
The former first lady was born Eleanor Rosalynn Smith in August 1927, in Plains, a small rural town of fewer than 600 people where her husband was also born and raised.
She was a fiercely loyal ally throughout his political career, both in the White House and during his years as a respected international diplomat after his single term in office ended in 1981. But she also forged her own identity for her mental health advocacy and as a social justice activist.
She founded the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers in 1987, and remained active in the organization into her later years.
Herself and husband were key figures in the Habitat For Humanity charity, helping build homes for families in need.
US President Joe Biden paid tribute to Mrs. Carter, saying she "walked her own path, inspiring a nation and the world along the way".
"On behalf a grateful nation, we send our love to the entire Carter family and the countless people whose lives are better, fuller, and brighter because of Rosalynn Carter," President Biden posted on X (formerly Twitter).
