Every 39th President of the United States, former President Jimmy Carter, has faced a great loss this week with the passing of his beloved wife of more than seventy years, Mrs. Rosalynn Carter. After being married for such a long period of time, it is no surprise that President Carter is now mourning her loss and adjusting to a life without her.
Rosalynn Carter was born in Georgia in 1927 and was raised in Plains, the same small town where the Carters met and married in 1946. She was a powerful and influential figure both nationally and internationally and was known as a fierce advocate for social and mental health issues. Events such as the Rosalynn Carter Symposia on Mental Health Policy helped to further this cause.
Their marriage was a true example of unconditional love that withstood the test of time. They were devoted to each other right until the end; in Mrs. Carter’s final days, President Carter shared “Most of all, I will miss my beautiful and wonderful wife, who has been my life partner for almost 72 years.”
Facing her passing, President Carter talks about his newfound life alone, claiming “I have had so many bills to pay at once that it’s a bit overwhelming, and I realize that most of the things we did together are no longer possible.” It is without a doubt that Mrs. Carter’s presence will be sorely missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Those close to the Carter family have respectfully requested that in honor of Rosalynn Carter and her noble legacy, donations be made in her name to the Carter Center, a non-profit organization based in Atlanta, Georgia that “advances peace, health, and hope” around the world.
Though his time with his wife was relatively short, her passing has left former President Jimmy Carter alone and grieving. Despite the difficult time he is facing, it is clear that his beloved Rosalynn will remain forever in his heart and in the hearts of all those whose lives she touched.