U.S. political figures, world leaders, social justice icons and celebrities are mourning the loss of former first lady Rosalynn Carter, who paved a path as a fierce advocate for overlooked people and champion of mental health.
The Carter Center announced the former first lady died Sunday afternoon at her home in Plains, Georgia. She was 96. Carter, who was married for seven decades to the man who would become the 39th president, entered hospice care on Friday. She was diagnosed with dementia in May.
Throughout her marriage to former President Jimmy Carter, Eleanor Rosalynn Carter was a steady support, providing counsel to her husband during his political career and beyond, into his years as an activist for housing stability and fair elections. She also created an independent legacy and used her platform to improve access to mental health care and women’s rights.
There was an outpouring of support and condolences for the Carter family on Sunday following the announcement of the former first lady’s death. She is survived by her husband, four children, 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
President Joe Biden shares condolences: ‘Champion for equal rights’
In a statement Sunday with first lady Jill Biden, President Joe Biden said Carter inspired the nation and the world. The president and first lady shared their condolences and love with the Carter family.
“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,” Biden said in a statement. “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.”
Former presidents, first ladies remember Rosalynn Carter
Former President Donald Trump said Carter “earned the admiration and gratitude” of the nation.
“From her days as a U.S. 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,” Trump said on Truth Social. In a separate statement, former first lady Melania Trump said Carter left a meaningful legacy of service: “We will always remember her servant’s heart and devotion to her husband, family, and country. May she rest in peace,” Trump said on X, formerly Twitter.
Former President George W. Bush recalled Carter as a woman of dignity and strength.
“There was no greater advocate of President Carter, and their partnership set a wonderful example of loyalty and fidelity. She leaves behind an important legacy in her work to destigmatize mental health. We join our fellow citizens in sending our condolences to President Carter and their family,” Bush said in a joint statement with former first lady Laura Bush.
Former President Bill Clinton described Carter as the “embodiment of a life lived with purpose,” calling her a champion of human dignity.
“Throughout her long, remarkable life, she was an unwavering voice for the overlooked and underrepresented,” Clinton said in a statement with former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
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US officials mourn for former first lady
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson on Sunday said he and his wife have the former president and his family in their prayers.
“Kelly and I are saddened to hear of the passing of First Lady Rosalynn Carter,” he said in a post on X. “She and President Carter were an outstanding example of love and devotion to one another, and to others through their years of public service and extraordinary charitable works.”
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi recalled Carter as a “saintly and revered public servant” driven by faith, compassion and kindness.
“On the world stage, First Lady Carter was a pioneer. Her historic, high-stakes diplomatic mission to Latin America in 1977 ushered in a new era of engagement in the region,” Pelosi said in a statement. “Two years later, she became the first sitting First Lady to address the World Health Organization, where she argued that mental health was an aspect of physical health – and that health is a human right.”
Maria Shriver, a member of the Kennedy family, journalist and former first lady of California, said in an X post Sunday Carter served her country with “strength and grace.”
“She was someone I got to work alongside of, and someone I deeply respected,” Shriver said. “Thank you, Mrs. Carter for everything you did, for the way you used your voice, for the love you exuded. My deepest condolences to the love of her life, former President Jimmy Carter, and to their entire family. ❤️”
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Sunday that his heart went out to Carter’s family.
“First Lady Rosalynn Carter dedicated her life to serving others,” he said in a post on X. “America has lost a passionate humanitarian and champion for people all over the world.”
Georgia officials, advocates share tributes
Stacey Abrams, a former Georgia politician and voting rights advocate, expressed her condolences to the president and the Carter family.
“With every moment, Rosalynn Carter showed the world the resilience of the human spirit,” she said in a post on X. “We thank her for serving the least of these + for giving mental health a voice in a damning silence.”
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said on X that he and his wife were praying for the Carter family.
U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia said Carter would be remembered for her compassionate nature and passion for women’s rights, human rights and mental health reform.
“The State of Georgia and the United States are better places because of Rosalynn Carter,” Ossoff said in a statement. “I join all Georgians and Americans in mourning her loss. May Rosalynn Carter’s memory be a blessing.”
Habitat For Humanity, the Georgia-based charity that the Carters played a leading role in for decades, said its members were saddened by the news.
“She was a compassionate and committed champion of #HabitatforHumanity and worked fiercely to help families around the world,” the group said on X.
On Sunday, Martin Luther King III and his wife Arndrea Waters King expressed their condolences in a post on X.
“(We) hold the Carter family in our thoughts and prayers as they mourn the loss of a mother, grandmother and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter,” he said. “Truly a life well lived and a beautiful legacy. May her life continue to inspire us. Rest easy on the wings of eternity.”
Mental health advocates honor Carter
Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a member of the bipartisan Senate mental health caucus, noted Carter’s mental health advocacy and described her as an “invaluable source of guidance and strength” for former President Carter.
“An advocate for better mental health care and an invaluable source of guidance and strength for President Carter, her life was one of service to the nation,” Klobuchar said in a statement. “I visited President Carter and Rosalynn at their home in Georgia a few years ago, where she made us Pimento Cheese sandwiches, and she was as endearing and wise as ever. America will miss her.”
Rep. Ritchie Torres of New York, who has been open about his battles with depression and has advocated for better access to mental health care, expressed his condolences to the Carter family and thanked the former first lady for her work.
“Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter was a dedicated public servant and a tireless advocate for making America work for all its citizens,” Torres said on X. “I extend my deepest condolences to the Carter family. Thank you for your service First Lady Carter.”
World leaders express condolences
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, who is among the many international figures pushing for a cease-fire in Gaza, said in a post on X that he was saddened by the former first lady’s passing.
“My deepest condolences to the Carter family and the American people,” he said Sunday. “The First Lady was an outstanding champion for health and equity. Her legacy must not be forgotten.”
Celebrities share affection for former first lady
Comedian and actor Wanda Sykes said Carter “brought compassion and advocacy to the forefront.”
“A true inspiration and a woman of substance,” Sykes said on X. “Sending love to President Carter and their family. May she rest in peace.”
“Wonder Woman” star Lynda Carter called the former first lady’s role an “unenviable task,” adding that the woman who shared her surname Carter handled the position “with strength and grace.”
“She showed us what it meant to be a champion for the American people and a public servant long beyond the call of duty,” Lynda Carter said on X. “We will miss you, Mrs. Carter.”
Philanthropist Melinda French Gates in a tribute on X said the former first lady left the world a better place and addressed mental health at a time when few public figures did.
“Rosalynn refused to let stigma be an excuse for silence. She took up the cause with courage and compassion,” she said in a post on X. “I am grateful that I got to know her and for the legacy she leaves behind. My thoughts are with her family as they mourn the loss of this extraordinary woman.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Contributing: The Associated Press