Rosalynn Carter, the first lady who prioritized humanitarian causes in the U.S. and abroad, died today (Nov. 19) at the age of 96.
According to a release from the Carter Center, she died peacefully, with family by her side.
Her husband, Jimmy Carter, served as President of the United States from 1977 to 1981. Much of the Carters’ 77-year marriage found them working together. After her husband’s term as president, the Carters moved back to their hometown of Plains, Georgia, where they were active at Maranatha Baptist Church. The former president taught a popular Sunday School class and Rosalynn served as a deacon.
In 1982, they established The Carter Center to address health crises, ensure fair elections and resolve conflict around the world. Rosalynn created and led the center’s Mental Health Task Force, having advocated for mental health reform during her husband’s time as Georgia’s governor and as president.
She also established the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers to advocate for the unique needs of people providing care for children and adults.
Helping others
The Carters spent decades volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and established an annual building project to provide affordable housing in the U.S. and internationally.
In 1999, Rosalynn was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom alongside her husband. She was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 2001.
The First Lady authored her autobiography, “First Lady from Plains,” and co-wrote “Everything to Gain: Making the Most of the Rest of Your Life” with her husband. She is also the co-author of three books on mental health.
Rosalynn Carter is survived by her four children and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
