Remembering Rosalynn Carter: A Tribute to a Life of Service and Faith

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On Tuesday, Rosalynn Carter was commemorated as an influential former U.S. first lady, renowned for her sharp intellect and political clout, which she used to embody her deep Christian beliefs through relentless service to the needy.

A distinguished group of first ladies and presidents, including her spouse, 99-year-old Jimmy Carter, joined various political dignitaries in paying homage. However, speakers emphasized that her global reputation was not her defining attribute.

Her son, James Earl “Chip” Carter III, reflected on her interactions with various global leaders and celebrities, noting her preference for the company of those in dire poverty, lacking basic necessities like adequate housing, nutrition, and healthcare.

Rosalynn Carter passed away at 96 on November 19. The Carter Center announced her peaceful passing surrounded by her family, following a prolonged decline in health due to dementia.

As a pivotal figure in Jimmy Carter’s journey from a peanut farmer to the 1976 presidential victor, Rosalynn Carter’s 96 years were marked by numerous significant moments. Her life and contributions were celebrated over three days, starting in Sumter County and culminating at Glenn Memorial Church in Atlanta. Her funeral and burial are set for Wednesday in Plains, Georgia.

At the tribute, Jimmy Carter, currently in home hospice care, was present in a wheelchair adorned with a blanket bearing his wife’s image. He was accompanied by their children – Chip, Amy, Jeff, and Jack.

The event saw attendance from President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, the Clintons, and other former first ladies like Melania Trump, Michelle Obama, and Laura Bush. Vice President Kamala Harris, Georgia’s U.S. senators, Governor Brian Kemp, and over 1,000 others were also present. Notably absent were former Presidents Donald Trump, Barack Obama, and George W. Bush.

Chip Carter described his mother as the family’s unifying force through various political and personal challenges. The event not only showcased political elites but also her extensive family, highlighting the strong bond she shared with them.

Amy Carter read a decades-old love letter from Jimmy to Rosalynn, underscoring their enduring partnership and love. Journalist Judy Woodruff highlighted Rosalynn’s instrumental role in Jimmy Carter’s political career, including her suggestion to use Camp David for key peace negotiations.

Family members reminisced about Rosalynn’s journey from a small-town upbringing to a globally recognized figure. Kathryn Cade, a long-time advisor, spoke of Rosalynn’s continuous dedication to helping others, which extended well beyond her tenure as first lady.

Rosalynn Carter was celebrated for her advocacy in mental health care and support for unpaid caregivers. Her role was pivotal in Jimmy Carter’s political ascendance and his terms as Georgia governor and U.S. president.

Chip Carter shared personal memories, including his mother’s role in his rehabilitation from addiction, describing her as the most beautiful woman he had known.

Grandson Jason Carter humorously acknowledged the “remarkable sisterhood” of the attending first ladies and their spouses. He shared anecdotes illustrating Rosalynn’s down-to-earth nature, including an instance of her distributing homemade sandwiches on a flight.

Country stars Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, friends of the Carter family and their successors as Habitat for Humanity ambassadors, performed John Lennon’s “Imagine” in tribute.

Rosalynn Carter’s funeral will be held at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, with a private graveside service where she will be laid to rest beside her husband, near their home built in 1962.

This report includes contributions from DeMillo in Little Rock, Arkansas, and other Big Big News writers Sudhin Thanawala and Fatima Hussein.

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