Jimmy Carter Pays Tribute to Wife of 77 Years Rosalynn Announcing Her Death

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter has died aged 96. She was the wife of the 39th president of the United States and the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Jimmy Carter, aged 99.

Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter dance at a White House Congressional Ball in Washington, D.C., on December 13, 1978. | Source: Getty Images

As per Jimmy, Rosalynn passed away on November 19, 2023, at 2:10 p.m. at her home in Plains, Georgia. Rosalynn, a fervent defender of mental stability, caretaking, and women’s rights, died gently, aged 96, surrounded by her family.

Rosalynn had dementia and had been in hospice care since February 2023. In the last few months before her demise, Jimmy and Rosalynn enjoyed time with each other and visits from friends and family members.

Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter in California on April 17, 1978. | Source: Getty Images

Jimmy’s wife has left him behind and her kids, Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy, as well as 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. One of her grandsons died in 2015. The former president eulogized his wife as an equal partner in all that he did.

The former first lady’s grandson, Jason, said an outpouring of love, respect, and support surrounds the couple’s legacy. „That word love is really the one that defines certainly their personal relationship, but also the way they approach this world,” he added.

Jimmy Carter, Rosalynn, and Amy pose for an official family photograph in Plains, Georgia, on December 5, 1976. | Source: Getty Images

Rosalynn was Jimmy’s confidant. She gave him valuable advice and inspiration when he needed it. As long as Jimmy had his wife, he knew he had someone who loved him and supported him. Chip also celebrated his mother as a loving mother and exceptional First Lady.

Phil Walden, Jimmy Carter, and Chip Carter in a dressing room after The Marshall Tucker Band benefit concert in Atlanta, Georgia on October 31, 1975. | Source: Getty Images

Rosalynn did humanitarian work when she was alive, and she will be missed by several people whom she helped get access to better mental health care and resources for caregiving. Chip added that his mother’s life of serving people and empathy was something all Americans could emulate. „She will be sorely missed,” he continued.

The former president and his wife applied these valuable tips in their marriage.

Lillian, Amy, Jack, Carter, Rosalynn, Jeff, Annette, Chip, and Caron on the podium after Carter made his acceptance speech on July 15, 1976. | Source: Getty Images

Rosalynn and Jimmy lived a happy life until death separated them. The two were the longest-married first couple, and a few months before Rosalynn died, they had just celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary.

Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter attend Former Governor of Georgia Jimmy Carter’s fundraiser for his 1976 Presidential run in Atlanta, Georgia, on February 14, 1976. | Source: Getty Images

Rosalynn and Jimmy’s Deep Love

Rosalynn and Jimmy spoke out about their love and marriage on their 75th wedding anniversary. The two spent their time together during the pandemic, getting closer to each other in their hometown of Plains, Georgia.

Rosalynn Carter in the United States on June 01, 1978. | Source: Getty Images

Jimmy said they hardly left the house, with Rosalynn chipping in that they had a really wonderful time. The couple also divulged the secret of their long marriage. Jimmy and Rosalynn got married on July 7, 1946, at a Methodist church in Plains.

Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter at the MusiCares Person of The Year honoring Bob Dylan in Los Angeles, California, on February 6, 2015. | Source: Getty Images

The former president said their marriage lasted long because they gave each other a lot of space to do their own things. The pair also made the effort to share as much as they possibly could. Some of the hobbies they partook together were skiing, fly fishing, and bird watching.

Rosalynn Carter and Jimmy Carter go for a jog in Washington, D.C., on March 16, 1979. | Source: Getty Images

Jimmy and Rosalynn also bonded over the word of God as they would always read the bible together before they went to sleep. The couple’s decades-long volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity brought them closer.

Rosalynn Carter and Jimmy Carter Rosalynn in Jerusalem, Israel, in 1979. | Source: Getty Images

When the pair celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary in 2023, they emphasized that for a marriage to be successful, partners must have their own space. Jimmy and Rosalynn championed reconciliation, urging couples not to go to bed with existing differences between them.

drive at the White House on July 19, 1977. | SourcRosalynn Carter and Jimmy Carter smile as they dance together in the Grand foyer of the White House, in Washington D.C., on January 31, 1979. | Source: Getty Images

The former president and his wife applied these valuable tips in their marriage, including engaging in hobbies, sometimes even competitively, leading to their long years together. Now, Jimmy is mourning his Rosalynn, whom he cherished and loved for so many years.