Trailblazing former First Lady Rosalynn Carter passes away at age 96
Rosalynn Carter, the beloved and trailblazing former First Lady known for her advocacy for mental health care, has passed away at the age of 96. Her passing occurred in her home in Plains, Georgia, as confirmed by the Carter Center.
The wife of the nation’s 39th president, Jimmy Carter, Rosalynn Carter played an instrumental role during her husband’s political career, setting a precedent for first ladies as she took on a full-time position, with an office in the East Wing and a full staff. A passionate advocate for mental health care, Carter also lobbied for the Equal Rights Amendment and was deeply involved in her husband’s presidency.
Some of her notable achievements include establishing the Carter Center’s Mental Health program and setting up the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism. Through her efforts with the Carter Center, she worked tirelessly to fight the stigmatization and discrimination of people with mental illnesses. In addition to her advocacy work, she and President Carter founded the Carter Center to address a wide range of global issues, from human rights to poverty alleviation.
After leaving the White House, Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter returned to Plains, where they continued their humanitarian work, establishing the annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project for Habitat for Humanity, which continues to benefit countless families worldwide.
Rosalynn Carter’s profound impact will undoubtedly live on, with her invaluable compassion and tireless dedication to helping others leaving an indelible mark on the world.
