Former first lady Rosalynn Carter, wife of former president Jimmy Carter has died. She was 96.
The mental health and women’s rights advocate passed away peacefully at 2:10 p.m. in the couple’s Plains, Georgia home, according to the Carter Center.
She was married to Jimmy Carter, the country’s 39th president for 77 years.
Jimmy, who is currently 99 years old and on hospice care himself, issued a moving statement following his wife’s death.
“Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished,” Jimmy Carter said in a statement. “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.”
Rosalynn is survived “by her children — Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy — and 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. A grandson died in 2015.”
The Carter’s son Chip also issued a statement thanking his mother for the tireless work she put in to give Americans better access to mental health care.
“Her life of service and compassion was an example for all Americans. She will be sorely missed not only by our family but by the many people who have better mental health care and access to resources for caregiving today.”
Thank you, Rosalynn for all of the work you did for this country over the past several decades. We will never forget you.
Rest easy.
