Former President Jimmy Carter Mourns Wife's Passing, Reflects On 77 Years of Marriage: 'As Long As Rosalynn Was In The World, I Always Knew Somebody Loved And Supported Me'

The death of former first lady Rosalynn Carter at age 96 has deeply moved the nation. She died peacefully at her Plains, Georgia, home, surrounded by her loving family. 

Her husband, former President Jimmy Carter, 99, expressed his profound sense of loss. He reminisced, “Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished,” highlighting her support and guidance throughout their lives together.  He added, “As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me.”

The Carters, a symbol of enduring love, shared a bond encapsulated by their phrase “ILYTG” — “I love you the goodest.” This affectionate expression, a legacy from Jimmy’s parents, became a heartfelt tradition in their family.

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Rosalynn’s impact extended beyond her family life. During her husband’s presidency from 1977 to 1981, she was a fervent advocate for mental health, leading the President's Commission on Mental Health and playing a pivotal role in the passage of the Mental Health Systems Act in 1980. Her commitment to mental wellness and the arts left a lasting imprint on the nation.

The Carters’ love story began in 1946, blossoming into a 77-year marriage, the longest in presidential history. Their family grew to include four children and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Throughout Jimmy Carter’s political career, Rosalynn remained his strongest supporter and adviser.

In 2015, when Jimmy Carter faced a brain cancer diagnosis, he openly declared his proudest accomplishment stating, “The best thing I ever did was marry Rosalynn.” He attributed the success of their marriage to mutual respect and giving each other space to pursue individual interests. This shared understanding and respect were the cornerstones of their life together. "That's the pinnacle of my life,” he said. 

Despite their health challenges, the Carters continued to share simple joys and remained committed to their humanitarian efforts. They savored moments like enjoying peanut butter ice cream together and kept themselves informed and involved in their ongoing projects. Their deep faith was a cornerstone of their lives, providing solace and strength through the years, especially in their final times together.

Rosalynn Carter’s legacy, both as a devoted partner and a passionate advocate for mental health and the arts, will be remembered as an integral part of American history. Her life story, intertwined with her husband's, remains a testament to true partnership and enduring love.

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