In a poignant tribute to Rosalynn Carter, former US President Jimmy Carter, aged 99, emerged briefly from hospice care to join President Joe Biden, former President Bill Clinton, and all five living first ladies at a memorial service. The event, held at an Atlanta church, witnessed Carter, despite his frailty, arriving in a wheelchair adorned with a blanket featuring his late wife’s image.
Rosalynn Carter: A Legacy of Love and Advocacy
On November 19, Rosalynn Carter, a revered humanitarian and mental health advocate, passed away at 96, marking the end of an illustrious 77-year marriage that profoundly impacted US politics. The memorial service, attended by influential figures such as Biden, Clinton, and current first ladies, paid homage to Rosalynn’s life and her groundbreaking role as a modern First Lady.
A Family’s Glue: Rosalynn Carter Remembered
Carter’s son, James “Chip” Carter, eloquently portrayed his mother as the “glue that held our family together,” underscoring her pivotal role in their lives. During the service, Amy Lynn Carter emotionally read a love letter written by Jimmy Carter to Rosalynn, dating back 75 years to his time in the US navy.
Musical Tribute to Rosalynn Carter
Country music stars Tricia Yearwood and Garth Brooks graced the service with performances of Rosalynn Carter’s favourite music, including John Lennon’s iconic “Imagine.”
Respected Legacy: Rosalynn Carter’s Impact Beyond the White House
The diverse assembly at the service, including former presidents and first ladies, underscored the respect and esteem Rosalynn Carter commanded in the United States. Celebrated for her advocacy on mental health, her reputation thrived post-White House, alongside her husband, Jimmy Carter. The upcoming private funeral in Plains on Wednesday is expected to shift focus to Jimmy Carter’s health, being the oldest living US ex-president and under hospice care for the past 10 months.
A Remarkable Union: The Carters’ Enduring Legacy
Married in 1946, the Carters held the record for the longest-wed presidential couple. Jimmy Carter expressed that Rosalynn had been his “equal partner in everything I ever accomplished,” emphasizing her integral role throughout his political career.
