The United States mourns a former tenant of the White House. Former first lady Rosalynn Carter, 96, died Sunday at her home, alongside her husband Jimmy Carter, himself at the end of his life, the Carter Center announced.
In palliative care since Friday, “she passed away peacefully, with her family by her side”, in the couple’s home in Plains, in the state of Georgia in the southeast of the United States, said the foundation managing the image and political legacy of Jimmy Carter.
Rosalynn Carter ‘attended cabinet meetings’
“Rosalynn has been my equal partner in everything I have accomplished,” said the former one-term Democratic president and Nobel Peace Prize winner. “She gave me wise advice and always encouraged me. As long as Rosalynn was with us, I knew someone loved me and supported me,” added the 99-year-old former head of state, treated in palliative care since February.
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter were married in 1946. Throughout Jimmy Carter’s political career, she was central to his campaigns. Once in the White House, from 1977 to 1981, she stood out for her willingness to get involved in politics. “She attended cabinet meetings and major briefings, frequently represented the chief executive at ceremonies, and served as the president’s personal emissary to Latin American countries,” according to the White House website.
Other occupants of the White House paid tribute to the former first lady. “In the rigors of campaigning, in the darkness of profound loss, we have always felt the hope, warmth and optimism of Rosalynn Carter,” said President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden, noting that The Carters’ “deep love” was the “definition of a partnership.”
Tributes from Michelle Obama and Melania Trump
Former first ladies Michelle Obama and Melania Trump paid tribute to the legacy left by Rosalynn Carter. “When our family was at the White House, Rosalynn often joined me for lunch, offering some advice and always – always – a helping hand,” Michelle Obama said. “We will always remember her helpful heart and her dedication to her husband, her family and her country,” greeted Melania Trump.
According to the Carter Center, the former first lady is survived by her four children, 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, after losing a grandson in 2015. “In addition to being a loving mother and an extraordinary first lady, my mother was a great humanitarian in her own right,” said her son Chip.
Rosalynn Carter gained notice for the work she did after leaving the White House. With her husband, she championed human rights, democracy and health issues across the world, while maintaining a low-key public image.