Former first lady Rosalynn Carter dies at 96

Former first lady Rosalynn Carter died on Sunday at age 96. In May, it was reported that she was living with dementia, and last week, she entered hospice. The Carter Center said she “died peacefully, with family by her side.”

Born in a small Georgia town in 1927, she met her husband at 17. Jimmy Carter would say, “The best thing I ever did was marrying Rosalynn. That’s a pinnacle in my life.” The couple later married in 1946. Rosalynn is primarily credited with expanding the role of first lady by making a significant impact globally through her travels and advocacy. Carter supported the Equal Rights Amendment and mental health issues and was an articulate defender of the United States. After leaving the White House, the Carters dedicated their time to charitable contributions, ultimately founding the Carter Center dedicated to human rights and alleviating human suffering. 

Carter is survived by her husband, four children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. 

For more information see David Cohen “Former first lady Rosalynn Carter dies at 96”, Politico, November 19, 2023.