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 Cente
She was married to Jimmy Carter, the country’s 39th president for 77 years.
“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.”
ASPEN, CO – JUNE 23: Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter speaks with President Jimmy Carter and Aspen Institute president and CEO Walter Isaacson during the McCloskey Speaker Series on June 23, 2015 in Aspen, Colorado. (Photo by Leigh Vogel/Getty Images)
