Rosalynn Carter, one of the most influential former first ladies of the United States, lived a rich life that illustrated her commitment to public service, and mental health advocacy.
Remember a woman who was more than just the First Lady of the United States.
As we look back on her 96 years, a timeline of moments stands out that reflect her strength, grace, and indomitable spirit.
She was the first First Lady to establish an office in the east wing of the White House
Eleanor Rosalynn Smith was the eldest of four children. She was said to have been introduced to Jimmy Carter at the age of 18 and got married after a whirlwind romance.
She was often dubbed the “steel magnolia.”
The early years of their marriage were marked by frequent moves due to Jimmy’s naval career.
She was given that nickname for her sweetness and drive to make a change.
In 1953, they returned to Plains following the death of Jimmy’s father and took over his peanut farm.
She and Jimmy Carter are both the eldest of four children.
This period was said to have marked Rosalynn’s early foray into business management, a skill that would later prove invaluable in her public life.
She became a New York Times bestseller with her book, ‘First Lady from Plains.’
The year 1970 was momentous for Rosalynn as her husband was elected Governor of Georgia. During his term, Rosalynn began to take an active role in state affairs.
She was a key advocate for passage of legislation.
She attended cabinet meetings and served as the Governor’s personal envoy, a role rarely performed by a first lady at the state level.
She was very much opposed to the death penalty.
Her involvement in politics deepened even more when Jimmy announced his presidential candidature in 1974.
She was incredibly passionate about mental health.
Her tenure as the First Lady from 1977 to 1981 brought forth one of Rosalynn’s most significant contributions – her advocacy for mental health.
Her contributions to mental health awareness.
As First Lady, she served as active honorary chair of the President’s Commission on Mental Health and played a pivotal role in passing the Mental Health Systems Act in 1980.
She was championed for her drive.
Her dedication to this cause remains evident through her continued involvement with The Carter Center’s Mental Health Program.
Founding The Carter Center in the early ’80s.
In 1982, post-presidency, the Carters established The Carter Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving lives by resolving conflicts.
A First Lady who’s about her business.
It also promoted democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care worldwide.
She wasn’t all talk; she walked the walk.
Rosalynn was instrumental in its foundation and continues to play an active role in its operation to date.
Her compassion for others, particularly those less fortunate, was undeniable.
Throughout her life, Rosalynn has been a beacon of resilience and strength.
A First Lady who packed on a lot of responsibilities during her time in office with her husband.
Whether it was battling through the financial difficulties faced by their peanut business or supporting her husband through his cancer diagnosis in 2015, she has remained steadfast.
She was all about making a change.
In 2016, she published an autobiography “Within Our Reach: Ending the Mental Health Crisis,” that further highlighted her commitment to mental health.
Role as the First Lady
As America’s first lady, Rosalynn Carter was anything but traditional. She attended Cabinet meetings at her husband’s invitation, making her privy to key decisions of the administration.
She received her Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1999.
Her proactive role extended to representing her husband in meetings with domestic and foreign leaders, including a landmark trip to Latin America.
She sparked a change only she could bring about.
Rosalynn played a pivotal role in shaping policies that supported healthcare resources, human rights, social justice, and the needs of the elderly.
She and Jimmy became the longest-married presidential couple.
She was particularly passionate about mental health, serving as an active honorary chair of the President’s Commission on Mental Health.
She’s often credited for shedding much-needed light on mental health in the U.S.
Her advocacy led to the passage of the Mental Health Systems Act of 1980, a significant milestone in mental health care reform in the United States.
Death and legacy
Rosalynn Carter passed away on November 19, 2023, at the age of 96, shortly after she entered hospice care due to being diagnosed with dementia in May. She leaves behind a legacy of extraordinary accomplishment and national service.
Her husband gave a statement.
As we reflect on the life of Rosalynn Carter, we remember a woman of great strength, compassion, and dedication. In his statement, President Carter wrote, “Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished.”
“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,” he added.
“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.”
She was far from a quitter.
Through her work, she championed the cause of those in need, pushing for societal change and leaving an indelible mark on American history.
She was the second-longest-lived first lady.
The death of such a prominent figure as Rosalynn Carter has reminded the world of the profound impact she had on not just U.S. citizens but people all over the world.
She and Jimmy celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary in July.
Her commitment to mental health advocacy, her tireless humanitarian efforts, and her role as a steadfast partner to former President Jimmy Carter serve as an inspiring legacy.
In a separate statement from their son, Chip Carter, following her death, he shared, “Besides being a loving mother and extraordinary First Lady, my mother was a great humanitarian in her own right.”
“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.”