Former first lady Rosalynn Carter dies at 96
Carter was married to former President Jimmy Carter since 1946


Rosalynn Carter, the former first lady who served as a steadfast humanitarian and partner to her husband, former President Jimmy Carter, died Sunday, the Carter Center said. She was 96.
In a statement, the Carter Center said that the former first lady "died peacefully, with family by her side" at her home in Plains, Georgia. A cause of death was not revealed, though it was announced two days ago that Carter had entered hospice care at her home. She had previously been diagnosed with dementia earlier this year.
"Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished," former President Carter said in a statement. "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 Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Rosalynn Carter was born in Plains in 1927. She met Jimmy Carter in 1945 and married the future president the next year. When Jimmy Carter launched his political career in the 1960s, she became perhaps his most trusted confidante. As her husband began his ascent toward a presidential campaign, Rosalynn Carter "attracted particular attention for the skillful way she connected with voters, nabbing their support for her husband with down-to-earth warmth," NBC News reported.
When Jimmy Carter was elected president in 1976, his wife became a well-known champion of mental health, a cause she would promote throughout her life. As first lady, Carter became active in White House affairs and launched "programs that supported health care resources, human rights, social justice and the needs of elderly people," NBC added. She also became the first presidential wife to occupy an office in the East Wing of the White House.
Rosalynn Carter is survived by the former president, who entered hospice care earlier this year at the age of 99, as well as four children, 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.
-
England’s ‘dysfunctional’ children’s care system
In the Spotlight A new report reveals that protection of youngsters in care in England is failing in a profit-chasing sector
-
Cider farms to visit this autumn
The Week Recommends With harvest season fast approaching, spend an afternoon at one of these idyllic orchards
-
Endangered shark meat is being mislabeled and sold in the US
Under the radar It could cause both health and ecological problems
-
Brazil’s Bolsonaro sentenced to 27 years for coup attempt
Speed Read Bolsonaro was convicted of attempting to stay in power following his 2022 election loss
-
Why does Donald Trump keep showing up at major sporting events?
Today's Big Question Trump has appeared at the Super Bowl, the Daytona 500 and other events
-
Judge lets Cook stay at Fed while appealing ouster
Speed Read Trump had attempted to fire Cook over allegations of mortgage fraud
-
House posts lewd Epstein note attributed to Trump
Speed Read The estate of Jeffrey Epstein turned over the infamous 2003 birthday note from President Donald Trump
-
Supreme Court allows 'roving' race-tied ICE raids
Speed Read The court paused a federal judge's order barring agents from detaining suspected undocumented immigrants in LA based on race
-
South Korea to fetch workers detained in Georgia raid
Speed Read More than 300 South Korean workers detained in an immigration raid at a Hyundai plant will be released
-
DC sues Trump to end Guard 'occupation'
Speed Read D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb argues that the unsolicited military presence violates the law
-
The Secret Service is reportedly facing a massive sniper shortage
The Explainer The agency is reportedly dealing with a 73% shortage