Just two days after entering hospice care, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, wife of President Jimmy Carter, has died. She was 96.
The Carter Center said she died at home in Plains, Georgia. Born in 1927, Mrs. Carter was recognized as a leading advocate for mental health, a cause she advanced during her long life as the wife of a Georgia governor and president.
“Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished,” President Carter said in a statement released by the Carter Center. “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.”
The Carters, lifelong Democrats, were married for 77 years. In 2000, they visited Alaska to commemorate the 20th anniversary of President Carter’s signing of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, which Alaskans call ANILCA. The Carters both fly-fished in Lake Clark on that trip, as they had all over the world; both were experience fly-fishers.
They were also world travelers, and made many diplomatic missions through the Carter Center, which they founded to advance human rights and the alleviation of human suffering. The center, associated with Emory University, focuses on resolving conflicts, enhancing freedom and democracy, and improving health.
President Carter entered hospice care at home in February after health issues, including a brain tumor. Rosalynn entered hospice care just two days before she died.
