Rosalynn Carter, the remarkable former first lady, humanitarian, and tireless advocate for mental health care, has passed away at the age of 96. Throughout her life, she provided unwavering support to her husband, former President Jimmy Carter, and served as a beacon of grace and longevity for our nation.

Carter was highly regarded for her political acumen, renowned for her sharp electoral instincts, down-to-earth appeal, and her invaluable work on behalf of the White House. She even served as an envoy to the Latin America region, effectively representing the interests of the United States.

But it was in her dedication to a multitude of social causes that Carter truly made her mark. From supporting healthcare resources to championing human rights and social justice, she tirelessly fought for the needs of the elderly and those less fortunate.

Reflecting on the advancements made in mental health care, Carter declared, “Twenty-five years ago, we did not dream that people might someday be able to actually recover from mental illnesses. Today, it is a very real possibility.” Her unwavering commitment and prayers have been answered with this miraculous development.

In May of this year, the Carter Center, the couple’s esteemed human rights organization, shared the unfortunate news that Rosalynn had been diagnosed with dementia. Despite this, she continued to find joy in the comfort of her home and the presence of her beloved husband, relishing the blossoming spring in Plains and cherishing visits from loved ones.

Rosalynn Carter’s legacy extends far beyond her time as first lady. Together with President Jimmy Carter, they embarked on groundbreaking humanitarian projects after leaving the White House. With their unwavering dedication and hands-on involvement, they became synonymous with Habitat for Humanity, tirelessly advocating, fundraising, and actively engaging in construction work.

Rosalynn’s journey began on August 18, 1927, in Plains, Georgia, where she was the first of four children raised by Allethea Murray Smith and Wilburn Edgar Smith. After her father’s untimely passing when she was just 13, Rosalynn shouldered additional responsibilities alongside her mother, as they worked together to make ends meet.

She completed high school and later attended Georgia Southwestern College. It was there, in 1945, that she went on a fortuitous date with Jimmy Carter, a childhood friend and U.S. Naval Academy graduate. Jimmy’s certainty was evident as he declared to his mother after their first outing, “She’s the girl I want to marry.”

True to his words, the couple tied the knot on July 7, 1946, and began their life together in Norfolk, Virginia, where Jimmy was stationed. Being part of a Navy family meant frequent relocations, and true to the unpredictable nature of their lives, their four children were born in different states.

In the early 1960s, Jimmy embarked on a political journey, winning a Georgia state Senate seat in 1962. Impassioned by her husband’s vision, Rosalynn devoted herself to laying the groundwork for his successful Georgia governorship bid in 1970. Six years later, she played a pivotal role in advising his grassroots presidential campaign, earning recognition for her vivacity and connection with voters.

Known for her down-to-earth warmth and authenticity, Rosalynn captivated support for her husband by independently traversing the country, making a compelling case for his presidency. Her preference for face-to-face meetings resonated with voters, her campaign strategy including frequent sessions at plant gates and shopping centers.

In January 1977, as Jimmy Carter assumed the presidency, it became abundantly clear that Rosalynn would not be content with merely being a decorative fixture in the White House. She became an integral part of her husband’s administration, attending Cabinet meetings, key briefings, and eloquently representing the White House at ceremonial events.

A tireless advocate for mental health and the elderly, Rosalynn’s influence was deeply felt. She participated as an honorary member on a mental health commission, served as the president’s personal envoy to Latin America, and engaged in countless initiatives aimed at improving the lives of individuals facing mental illness and family caregiving challenges.

While Jimmy Carter’s presidency faced various challenges and criticisms, Rosalynn responded with unwavering support. Her tireless efforts to secure her husband’s reelection in 1980 demonstrated her tenacity and determination, even in the face of disappointment. She gracefully accepted the outcome, vowing to continue speaking out on the issues closest to her heart.

In the years that followed, Rosalynn Carter’s impact remained substantial. She authored several books, including her memoir “First Lady from Plains” in 1984, as well as three books on mental health. Together with Jimmy, she founded the Carter Center in 1982, an esteemed nonprofit organization dedicated to human rights, in collaboration with Emory University. Later, in 1989, she established the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving at Georgia Southwestern State University.

For more than three decades, Rosalynn hosted annual symposiums on mental health at the Carter Center, gathering experts and advocates to discuss mental illness, family coping, financing care services, research support, and stigma reduction.

Their lasting dedication earned the couple the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1999, the highest civilian honor bestowed upon them by President Bill Clinton. During the ceremony at the Carter Center, President Clinton commended the Carters for the extraordinary impact they had made, stating, “Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter have done more good things for more people in more places than any other couple on the face of the Earth.”

In recent years, the Carters reduced their public appearances, but their unwavering commitment to service persisted. During the 2020 presidential election, they recorded a video tribute to Joe Biden, highlighting their shared vision and values. The Democratic National Convention aired the heartfelt tribute, demonstrating the enduring impact of Rosalynn Carter’s legacy.

Rosalynn Carter leaves behind a grand legacy—a legacy marked by compassion, leadership, and an unyielding commitment to making the world a better place. Her tireless efforts on behalf of mental health care will continue to inspire change and provide hope for future generations. Today, we honor her extraordinary life and work, forever grateful for the positive impact she made on our nation and the world at large.