- Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, known for her advocacy on mental health, caregiving, and women’s rights, passes away at 96
- Tributes pour in from First Lady Jill Biden, former President Barack Obama, former President George W. Bush, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and others
- The Carter Center praises Rosalynn Carter’s legacy and impact, while her husband Jimmy Carter expresses love and gratitude; details of memorial and funeral not released yet.
Additional Coverage:
Reactions, tributes, and grief are pouring in following the news of the death of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter at the age of 96. First Lady Jill Biden, while attending a holiday meal with service members in Virginia, acknowledged Rosalynn Carter’s efforts on mental health, caregiving, and women’s rights and requested prayers for the Carter family. President Joe Biden also paid tribute to Rosalynn Carter and described the Carters as an incredible family who brought grace to the office. The Bidens issued a statement praising her accomplishments and the love shared between her and Jimmy Carter. They offered their love to the Carter family on behalf of a grateful nation.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama expressed her admiration for Rosalynn Carter, highlighting her work on mental health and advocacy for better care for the elderly. She recalled the advice and support Carter offered during her time as First Lady. Former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush called Carter a woman of dignity and highlighted her work in destigmatizing mental health. Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton praised Carter’s advocacy for human dignity, mental health, childhood immunization, and global democracy. Former Vice President Al Gore acknowledged Carter’s inspiring influence on the nation and the world.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp recognized Carter’s indelible impact on the state and the nation, particularly in mental health services and promoting Georgia. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy also expressed their condolences and recognized Carter’s contributions. Former First Lady Melania Trump honored Carter’s legacy as a wife, mother, and public servant.
The Carter Center, which Rosalynn Carter founded with her husband, announced her death and praised her as a passionate champion of mental health, caregiving, and women’s rights. Her husband, Jimmy Carter, expressed his love and gratitude for her support throughout his life. Their son, Chip Carter, referred to his mother as an extraordinary humanitarian and acknowledged her immense impact on mental health care and caregiving.
Rosalynn Carter entered hospice care after being diagnosed with dementia earlier this year. Jimmy Carter had already entered hospice care in 2023. Memorial and funeral details have yet to be released, but the Carter Center has provided a portal for the public to share their memories.