On January 20, 1977, Jimmy was inaugurated as the 39th President of the United States. Rosalynn was by his side and wore the same gown she had worn when he was sworn in as Georgia Governor years earlier.

From the beginning, it was clear that Rosalynn wouldn’t be a First Lady who just sat back and relaxed. She was hard-working and skilled, engaging in many special projects and attending briefings and meetings. She even made history by becoming the first presidential spouse to have her own office in the East Wing.

Besides being passionate about performing arts and inviting musicians from all over the world, Rosalynn Carter founded programs to aid mental health, the community, and older people. She was the Honorary Chairperson of the President’s Commission on Mental Health from 1977 to 1978 and became virtually as famous as her presidential husband.

“I don’t think I’m smarter than Jimmy Carter, but I love the political life,” Rosalynn said on the NPR show All Things Considered in 1984.

“I loved it, I like the intrigue. And it’s – and having one election – people who really support you in the next election will be your opponents. And the ones who are your opponents will be your supporters. I just like the whole – I like all of it. I like getting out and meeting people and talking with them and learning the country. It was just fascinating to me. I miss it.”

“The best thing I ever did was marrying Rosalynn”

Sadly for Jimmy and Rosalynn, they lost the 1980 reelection. The couple left the White House and returned to their childhood town and two-bedroom ranch house. At the time, their three sons had grown up – their daughter was a teenager – and the couple got more time to pursue many projects close to their hearts.

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter did much humanitarian work through the Carter Center and Habitat for Humanity. They built more than 4,000 homes worldwide, and in 2002, the former president was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work supporting democracy and human rights.

Meanwhile, Rosalynn was devoted to de-stigmatizing mental health issues, campaigning and advocating for speaking out about it globally.

Rosalynn received many awards throughout her life, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In September, she and her husband received the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Goalkeepers Lifetime Achievement Award.

The couple celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary in 2021 – and their love never faded. Nothing has made the former president more proud than being at his wife’s side.

“The best thing I ever did was marrying Rosalynn,” Carter said in a 2015 interview at The Carter Center. “That’s the pinnacle of my life.”

In 2021, Rosalynn Carter said: “Everything with Jimmy Carter has been an adventure. We’ve been blessed to be able to travel the world, almost.”

Rosalynn Carter dead at 96

Earlier this year, Jimmy Carter entered home hospice care after declining medical help for several health issues. Just days ago, Rosalynn also entered hospice care at home after being diagnosed with dementia in May. On Sunday, November 19, the family announced that the former First Lady had passed away, aged 96.

She reportedly died peacefully with her family by her side.

“Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished,” Jimmy 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.”

It didn’t take long after the announcement of Rosalynn’s passing was made public before tributes poured in from Washington.

“Above all, the deep love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership, and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism,” President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden said in a statement. “She lived her life by her faith.”

“On behalf of a grateful nation, we send our love to President Carter, the entire Carter family, and the countless people across our nation and the world whose lives are better, fuller, and brighter because of the life and legacy of Rosalynn Carter,” the statement continued.

Donald Trump & Melania Trump pay tribute to Rosalynn Carter

Moreover, several former presidents and first ladies, among them Barack and Michelle Obama, George W and Laura Bush, and Bill and Hillary Clinton, paid tribute to the beloved Rosalynn, sharing their great memories and words of wisdom.

Former president Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump praised Rosalynn Carter for her work, calling her a “great humanitarian.”

“Melania and I join all Americans in mourning the loss of Rosalynn Carter,” Donald Trump wrote.

“She was a devoted First Lady, a great humanitarian, a champion for mental health, and a beloved wife to her husband for 77 years, President Carter.”

“Over a life spanning nearly a century, Rosalynn Carter earned the admiration and gratitude of our entire nation,” he added.

Melania Trump released her own statement, saying: “Rosalynn Carter leaves behind a meaningful legacy not only as First Lady but as a wife and mother. We will always remember her servant’s heart and devotion to her husband, family, and country. May she rest in peace.”

If you enjoyed this article about Rosalynn Carter, perhaps you’d be interested in reading her son Chip’s heartfelt tribute to the late former First Lady.

Rest in peace, Rosalynn Carter. Please share this article on Facebook to honor her legacy of humanitarian work.