PLAINS, GEORGIA: The former First Lady Rosalynn Carter is receiving tributes from political figures, celebrities, and social justice leaders from around the world.
As per the Carter Center's announcement, she died at the age of 96 on November 19 at her home in Plains, Georgia. The wife of former president Jimmy Carter, Rosalynn, was the First Lady from 1977 to 1981.
Besides being the First Lady, her decades-long public service as a leading advocate for numerous causes, including mental health, women's issues, children and caregiving, made her likable and revered figure among the masses.
Leading political figures remember Rosalynn Carter
Joe Biden and Jill Biden
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden released a joint statement remembering the contributions of Rosalynn. The statement read, "First Lady Rosalynn Carter walked her own path, inspiring a nation and the world along the way."
The statement also listed her many causes, stating. "Throughout her incredible life as First Lady of Georgia and the First Lady of the United States, Rosalynn did so much to address many of society's greatest needs. She was a champion for equal rights and opportunities for women and girls; an advocate for mental health and wellness for every person; and a supporter of the often unseen and uncompensated caregivers of our children, aging loved ones, and people with disabilities."
The Bidens also remarked on the enduring love between the former president and his late wife, saying, "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. She lived her life by her faith."
"Time and time again, during the more than four decades of our friendship – through rigors of campaigns, through the darkness of deep and profound loss – we always felt the hope, warmth, and optimism of Rosalynn Carter. She will always be in our hearts," read their tribute.
"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," their statement concluded, before signing off with, "May God bless our dear friend. May God bless a great American."
Kamala Harris
Vice President Kamala Harris also issued a statement honoring the late First Lady.
"First Lady Rosalynn Carter lived a life of service, faith, compassion, and unmatched moral leadership.
During her time in the White House, Rosalynn Carter redefined the role of First Lady. Through her courageous advocacy, Mrs. Carter helped bring the issue of mental health out from the shadows into the national spotlight and served as a champion for America's caregivers. On her trips abroad, Mrs. Carter worked to advance human rights and human dignity," read Harris' statement.
"After leaving the White House, Mrs Carter continued to serve our nation and the world—in particular, through her leadership of the Carter Center, which she founded with President Jimmy Carter to promote peace, improve public health, and support freedom and democracy around the globe," read the vice president's hearfelt tribute.
"As a humanitarian, a public servant, and a global leader, Mrs. Carter improved the lives of millions—and inspired countless more to dedicate their lives to service. Her legacy will be a beacon for generations to come," Harris said.
She concluded her message with, "Doug and I send our prayers to President Carter and the entire Carter family."
Barack Obama and Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama took to X, praising Rosalynn for using her position in "profoundly meaningful ways."
She wrote, "You learn very quickly that there is no handbook or rules to being First Lady. Technically, it's not even an official position. And while there are spoken and unspoken expectations that provide some structure, the role is largely shaped by the passions and aspirations of the person holding it."
"First Lady Rosalynn Carter understood that well. Guided by her abiding faith and her commitment to service, Mrs Carter used her platform in profoundly meaningful ways," recalled former first lady Michelle Obama.
"Her groundbreaking work to combat the stigma faced by those struggling with their mental health brought light to so many suffering in silence. She advocated for better care for the elderly. She advanced women's rights. And she remained a champion for those causes — and many others like building affordable housing for those in need and caring for our nation's caregivers — in the more than four decades that followed," read her statement.
"When our family was in the White House, every so often, Rosalynn would join me for lunch, offering a few words of advice and always — always — a helping hand. She reminded me to make the role of First Lady my own, just like she did. I'll always remain grateful for her support and her generosity," she recalled.
"Today, Barack and I join the world in celebrating the remarkable legacy of a First Lady, philanthropist, and advocate who dedicated her life to lifting up others. Her life is a reminder that no matter who we are, our legacies are best measured not in awards or accolades, but in the lives we touch. We send our thoughts and prayers to Jimmy and the entire Carter family during this difficult time," her statement concluded.
Former President Barack Obama retweeted his wife's post and wrote, "Rosalynn Carter's life is a reminder that no matter who we are, our legacies are best measured not in awards or accolades, but in the lives we touch. We send our thoughts and prayers to Jimmy and the entire Carter family during this difficult time."
Donald Trump
Donald Trump issued condolences in his Truth Soavial account. He wrote, "Melania and I join all Americans in mourning the loss of Rosalynn Carter. 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. From her days as a US Navy spouse, to the Georgia Governor's Mansion, to her tenure as First Lady of the United States, and her later work at the Carter Center and volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, she leaves behind a legacy of extraordinary accomplishment and national service," wrote Trump.
"Our prayers are with the former president, the Carter family, and the entire community of Plains, Georgia, that she loved so much!" Trump concluded.
Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton praised Rosalynn's works as a mental health advocate. Their joint statement read, "Rosalynn Carter was a compassionate and committed champion of human dignity everywhere."
"Throughout her long, remarkable life, she was an unwavering voice for the overlooked and underrepresented. Thanks to her mental health advocacy, more people live with better care and less stigma. Because of her early leadership on childhood immunization, millions of Americans have grown up healthier. And through her decades of work at the Carter Center and with Habitat for Humanity, she spread hope, health, and democracy across the globe," their statement continued.
"Rosalynn will be forever remembered as the embodiment of a life lived with purpose. Hillary and I are deeply grateful for her extraordinary service to our nation and world, and for more than forty years of friendship. Our prayers are with President Carter, Jack, Chip, Jeff, Amy, and the entire Carter family," the statement concluded.
Celebs pour their hearts out in tributes to the late Rosalynn Carter
Rosalynn was not only remembered by political figures. Her public service to the nation has transcended her political ideologies, and celebrities from various fields are remembering her life's lasting legacy and impact.
Singer and actress Barbara Streisand wrote on X, "My thoughts are with President Jimmy Carter on the loss of his wife Rosalynn. How many marriages last 77 years? What an amazing couple. May she rest in peace."
Actor George Takei called the former First Lady a treasure in his X post. "A great soul has passed. Rosalyn Carter, wife of President Jimmy Carter, passed away today at age 96. A humanitarian through to the end, she was a fierce advocate for mental health issues. She brought grace and kindness to the White House. She was a treasure. She will be missed," he wrote.
Philanthropist Melinda French Gates also wrote on X, "Through her activism, her advocacy, her leadership of the @CarterCenter, and her lifetime of service, Rosalynn Carter left our world better for having walked on it."
