WASHINGTON — Former president Jimmy Carter is remembering former first lady Rosalynn Carter, his "best friend" and closest adviser during his one term as U.S. president, who died Sunday at the age of 96.
The Carters were married for more than 77 years, forging what they both described as a “full partnership.”
“Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished,” former president Carter said Sunday. “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.”
The Carter Center statement announcing her death said she “died peacefully, with family by her side" at 2:10 p.m. at her home in the rural south Georgia community of Plains. It said a schedule of memorial events and funeral preparations would be released later.
Rosalynn Carter had spent months living with dementia and just two days ago it was announced she had entered hospice care at their home. Former president Carter, 99, entered hospice care back in February.
“Rosalynn is my best friend ... the perfect extension of me, probably the most influential person in my life,” Jimmy Carter told aides during their White House years, which spanned from 1977-1981.
Rosalynn and Jimmy hold the record of the longest-married couple in presidential history – with the couple celebrating their 77th wedding anniversary on July 7, 2023.
In lieu of flowers, the Carter family requests that you consider a contribution to the Carter Center's Mental Health Program or the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers.