Rosalynn Carter, born Eleanor Rosalynn Smith on August 18, 1927, in Plains, Georgia, was the wife of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States.
She was the First Lady of the United States from 1977 to 1981 and is known for her significant contributions to mental health advocacy and caregiving.
Rosalynn was an influential and active first lady, playing a pivotal role in her husband’s political career and demonstrating a commitment to various causes.
Her significance lies in her advocacy work and her active involvement in various organizations.
She founded the “Rosalynn Carter Institute of Caregiving” at Georgia Southwestern State University, which aims to support professional and family caregivers in the healthcare system.
Additionally, she co-founded the Carter Center, a nonprofit organization committed to human rights, conflict resolution and health initiatives.
Throughout her husband’s political career, Rosalynn focused on mental health and the issues faced by the elderly, reducing stigma around mental health and caregiving.
Rosalynn Carter’s life and contributions
Rosalynn was an influential and active first lady, playing a pivotal role in her husband’s political career and demonstrating a commitment to various causes.
She was known for her significant contributions to mental health advocacy and caregiving.
Throughout her husband’s political career, she chose mental health and problems of the elderly as her signature policy emphasis.
Rosalynn reduced stigma around mental health and caregiving and criticized reporters for writing only about “sexy subjects”.
She founded the “Rosalynn Carter Institute of Caregiving” at Georgia Southwestern State University, which aims to support professional and family caregivers in the healthcare system.
Additionally, she co-founded the Carter Center, a nonprofit organization committed to human rights, conflict resolution, and health initiatives.
Cause of death
Rosalynn passed away at the age of 96 after living with dementia and experiencing declining health for many months.
Her family disclosed her dementia diagnosis in May, and she had been living at home while receiving care
Her husband, Jimmy Carter, also in hospice care, expressed that she was his equal partner in everything he ever accomplished and provided him with wise guidance and encouragement.
Heath history
Rosalynn faced dementia in her later years.
The Carter family shared that she was diagnosed with dementia and continued to live happily at home with her husband while receiving care
Throughout her life, Rosalynn was a leading mental health advocate, working to improve access to care and decrease stigma surrounding mental health issues.
Her significant contributions to mental health advocacy and caregiving have left a lasting impact on the nation
Tributes
Following the death of Rosalynn, tributes and reactions poured in from individuals and organizations across the country.
Former President Jimmy Carter, her husband, released a statement saying, “Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished. She gave me wise guidance and encouragement.”
On the other hand, former President Donald Trump remembered her as “a great humanitarian” and “a champion for mental health.”
President Joe Biden described the Carters as an “incredible family” who “brought so much grace to the office”.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama looked back on her meetings with Rosalynn Carter and praised her for her advocacy work.
The Atlanta Braves baseball team also released a statement expressing their sadness at her passing.
Additionally, Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff remembered her for her compassionate nature and passion for women’s rights, human rights and mental health advocacy.
Many others, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and fellow Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock, paid tribute to her life of service and advocacy.
Legacy
Rosalynn’s legacy and impact are widely recognized and celebrated.
She is remembered for her pioneering advocacy for mental health and caregiving, as well as her passion for women’s rights and human rights reform.
President Biden described her as a source of hope, warmth, and optimism, emphasizing her enduring impact on the lives of many.
Vice President Kamala Harris highlighted her redefinition of the role of the first lady and her dedication to service, faith, compassion and moral leadership.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens praised her as the model for the modern-day First Lady and commended her work in promoting mental health awareness.
Rosalynn’s legacy is also acknowledged for her work in addressing discrimination, supporting refugees and promoting mandatory vaccinations.
Her enduring impact on mental health, caregiving, and women’s rights has left a profound mark on the nation and the world, transcending partisan politics and inspiring countless individuals to dedicate their lives to service.
Conclusion
Rosalynn’s passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy as a compassionate advocate for mental health, caregiving and human rights will endure.
Her impact on the nation and the world is evident in the outpouring of tributes and remembrances from individuals and organizations across the political spectrum.
From destigmatizing mental health to redefining the role of the first lady, Rosalynn’s life and contributions have left an indelible mark on society.
As we reflect on her remarkable legacy, we are reminded of the power of compassion, advocacy, and service to inspire and uplift generations to come.
