Former President Jimmy Carter has suffered an immeasurable loss following the death of his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Carter—a woman who stood by his side through decades of public service, humanitarian work, and personal devotion.
Rosalynn Carter passed away on November 19 at the age of 96. The Carter Center confirmed that the former First Lady had been battling dementia and that her health had declined significantly in recent months. She died just two days after entering hospice care alongside her husband.
In a heartfelt statement, Jimmy Carter paid tribute to the woman he described as his equal in every sense.
“Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished,” the former president said. “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.”
Their marriage, one of the longest in presidential history, was defined by mutual respect, deep affection, and shared purpose. With her passing, Carter lost not only his wife, but also his closest confidant and lifelong friend.
Rosalynn Carter was laid to rest on Wednesday in Plains, Georgia, the small hometown she and Jimmy Carter never forgot despite global prominence. Her funeral service was held at Maranatha Baptist Church, where the couple worshipped for decades. Additional tributes took place earlier in Americus and Atlanta, honoring her life and legacy.
The memorial service in Atlanta was attended by two former U.S. presidents and all living former first ladies, who joined the Carter family in remembrance. Jimmy Carter made two public appearances during the services. At the Atlanta memorial, he sat in the front row in a wheelchair, dressed in a suit and tie and wrapped in a blanket bearing images of himself and Rosalynn. Two of his children sat close by, offering quiet support.
In the final days of Rosalynn’s life, the couple remained inseparable. According to their son, James E. “Chip” Carter III, Jimmy Carter asked for his bed to be placed beside his wife’s so they could continue talking.
“My father told her he loved her and thanked her for all the wonderful things she had done,” Chip recalled. “Then he asked us to leave so he could be alone with her. I’m sure he prayed.”
By Sunday morning, Rosalynn had lost the ability to speak. Later that day, her long, impactful, and compassionate life came to an end.
Throughout her years as First Lady and beyond, Rosalynn Carter was a tireless advocate for mental health awareness, humanitarian causes, and social justice. She received numerous honors from organizations such as the National Organization of Women and the National Mental Health Association. In 1999, she and her husband were jointly awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Rosalynn Carter broke barriers, challenged stigma, and used her platform to help those often overlooked. Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched—and through the enduring love story she shared with Jimmy Carter.
Rest in peace, Rosalynn Carter.
