Rosalynn Carter, partner of 39th U.S. President Jimmy Carter, changed the way Americans view mental health, and spent decades reducing stigma and fighting diseases through her work at the Carter Center.

She passed away Sunday, Nov. 19, at 2:10 p.m. at her home in Plains, Ga., at the age of 96. She died peacefully, with family by her side, a statement from the Carter Center said. 



People from around the world are remembering her life and work. 



This is a developing story with updates.  



___



From The Carter Center:

Mrs. Carter was married for 77 years to Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States and the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, who is now 99 years old.

“Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished,” President Carter said. “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.”

She is survived by her children — Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy — and 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. A grandson died in 2015.

“Besides being a loving mother and extraordinary First Lady, my mother was a great humanitarian in her own right,” said Chip Carter. “Her life of service and compassion was an example for all Americans. She will be sorely missed not only by our family but by the many people who have better mental health care and access to resources for caregiving today.”



____



Grandson Jason Carter sent a note to Carter Center supporters Sunday afternoon, saying:



"With heavy hearts my family and I inform you of my grandmother’s passing. One of the greatest legacies she leaves behind is The Carter Center, and her work there would not have been possible without you. She has been grateful for your support of her remarkable efforts to improve the welfare of people everywhere, whether by working to eradicate diseases, reducing the stigma of mental illnesses, or bringing peace to far corners of the world. Thank you for your continued partnership."



He invited the public to to sign the official online condolence book at RosalynnCarterTribute.org. 



____

Gov. Brian Kemp praised Carter's dedication to mental health services and offered condolences to her family. 

Sen. Jon Ossoff said that "The State of Georgia and the United States are better places because of Rosalynn Carter" in a statement. 

The Atlanta Braves shared a photo of Carter wearing an Atlanta Braves hat. 

Sen. Raphael Warnock said:

"First Lady Rosalynn Carter is a remarkable woman of great faith, and her service to Georgia and our country is part of an incredible legacy. My prayers are with her, President Carter, and the entire Carter family during this tender time" in a statement posted to the social media website X. 



___

Former President George Bush and first lady Laura Bush extended condolences to Carter's family. 

"We are saddened by the passing of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. She was 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."

___

President Joe Biden thanked Carter for her humanitarian work. .

"First Lady Rosalynn Carter walked her own path, inspiring a nation and the world along the way. On behalf a grateful nation, we send our love to the entire Carter family and the countless people whose lives are better, fuller, and brighter because of Rosalynn Carter."

___

Vice President Kamala Harris said that Carter "redefined the role of First Lady."

___

The U.S. Secret Service said that Carter was "a treasure" to the Secret Service. 

___

First lady Jill Biden mourned Carter in a speech in Virginia on Sunday. 

___

Former first lady Michelle Obama shared a photo with Carter and thanked her for her guidance as first lady.

___

MSNBC Presidential Historian Michael Beschloss shared a photo of Carter with Coretta Scott King, Betty Ford and Lady Bird Johnson advocating for the Equal Rights Amendment 1977.

 

___

Jason Carter shared a photo with his late grandmother. 

___

Former President Bill Clinton and first lady Hillary Clinton said that Carter was "an unwavering voice for the overlooked and underrepresented."

___

Former first lady Melania Trump remembered Carter for her "servant’s heart and devotion to her husband, family, and country."

___

Former Vice President Al Gore said that Carter was "remarkable leader," and reflected on building Habitat for Humanity houses with her. 

___

U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath said that Carter was "the light of our state"

___

U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter said that he was praying for the Carter family. 

___

U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson praised Carter's legacy of humanitarian work. 

___

U.S. Rep. Austin Scott said that Carter was an "outstanding Georgian and a distinguished humanitarian."

___

U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk sent his condolences to the Carter family. 

___

U.S. Rep. Rich McCormick praised the Carters' long relationship. 

___

U.S. Rep. Rick Allen said that Carter's legacy "will never be forgotten."

___

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens remembered Carter's legacy as a mental health advocate. 

___

U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said that Carter was "a special lady" and that Georgia was "proud of her."

___

U.S. Rep. Mike Collins commemorate Carter's legacy and said she embodied "what it truly means to be an American." 

Tags: rosalynn carter  Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving  Jimmy Carter  President Jimmy Carter  Carter Center  Atlanta  Georgia  White House