Rosalynn Carter, wife of former US President Jimmy Carter, died this Sunday at the age of 96.
Former First Lady of the United States, Rosalynn Carter, 96, died this Sunday, November 19, at her home, alongside her husband Jimmy Carter, who was also at the end of his life, the Carter Center announced.
She had been in palliative care since Friday and died “peacefully and with her family by her side” in the couple’s home in Plains, Georgia (southeast of the United States), said the foundation, which looks after the image and political legacy Jimmy Carter in a press release.
“Rosalynn has been my equal partner in everything I have accomplished,” said the former Democratic president, who is quoted in the text. “She gave me great advice and always encouraged me. As long as Rosalynn was with us, I knew someone loved and supported me.”
The 99-year-old former president and Nobel Peace Prize winner has been receiving palliative care since February.
He served in the White House for a single term from 1977 to 1981 and is the oldest former American president in history. Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter married in 1946.
Commitment to human rights
Throughout Jimmy Carter’s long political career, his wife was at the center of his campaigns. When Rosalynn Carter was in the White House from 1977 to 1981, she stood out for her willingness to become politically active.
“She attended Cabinet meetings and key briefings, often represented the chief executive at ceremonies, and served as the president’s personal envoy to Latin American countries,” the White House website says.
Rosalynn Carter was also known for the work she did after leaving the White House. Together with her husband, she campaigned for human rights, democracy and health issues around the world while maintaining a remarkably reserved public image.