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Former first lady Rosalynn Carter, married to Jimmy Carter the nation's 39th president, passed away at the age of 96 in her home.

 Married to President Jimmy Carter for an impressive 77 years, Rosalynn played a pivotal role in shaping the modern concept of the first lady. Beyond her role in the White House, she left an enduring legacy as a champion for mental health, human rights, and humanitarian efforts.

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Former First Lady Transformed Role

Rosalynn Carter's journey began and ended in the small town of Plains, Georgia. She navigated the challenges of a modest upbringing. Despite financial hardships,at a time when most women were not college-educated she graduated from Georgia Southwestern College. 

In 1946, she married Jimmy Carter, setting the stage for a life of public service.

President Carter was elected in 1976. And Rosalynn Carter began immediately redefining the role of a first lady.

She established an office in the East Wing, the first of its kind. She also employed a dedicated staff to aid her in her advocacy. 

A trusted adviser to the president, Rosalynn actively participated in both foreign and domestic affairs, holding regular meetings with President Carter in the Oval Office.

Advocacy 

Rosalynn Carter's influence extended globally as she embarked on international travels, promoting her platform on mental health care and supporting her husband's stance on human rights. 

Notably, she advocated for the Equal Rights Amendment and worked towards legal gender equality. Colleagues and friends remember her as genuine, warm, and selfless, prioritizing the well-being of others over material possessions.

Inspired by personal experiences, Rosalynn Carter dedicated much of her life to mental health reform.  As the honorary chair of the President's Commission on Mental Health, she played a crucial role in passing the Mental Health Systems Act in 1980, providing grants to community mental health centers.

Witnessing a distant cousin struggle with mental illness as a child fueled her commitment to improving the public programs available for those affected.

Returning to Plains after leaving the White House, the Carters continued to make a difference.

In 1982, they founded the Carter Center, a non-profit organization committed to enhancing the quality of life, alleviating suffering, and advancing human rights. The Mental Health program at the Carter Center, initiated by Rosalynn, fights against the stigma associated with mental illnesses and supports mental health journalism.

Legacy

The Carters became champions for Habitat for Humanity in the 1980s. They launched the Jimmy Carter Work Project, an annual home-building effort that has grown over the years.