REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF FIRST LADY ROSALYNN CARTER


By abalderston
First Lady Rosalynn Carter giving a speech.

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter passed away on November 19, at 2:10 p.m. at the age of 96. Mrs. Carter spent over five decades advocating for mental health, caregiving, early childhood immunization, human rights, and conflict resolution. In fact, she did much of this work through her private nonprofit institution, The Carter Center, which was founded by former President Jimmy Carter and Mrs. Carter in 1982. These are just some of the achievements former First Lady Rosalynn Carter accomplished in her lifetime. Thus, the remainder of this article will touch upon many more, hoping to honor the work of a woman who has positively impacted millions.Related read: Rosalynn Carter Institute Supports Caregivers in the Military Community

The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers

One of the most important institutions Rosalynn Carter created was the Rosalynn Carter Institute (RCI), which aims to support and strengthen America’s 53 million caregiver families. Thus, the purpose of this institution is to provide resources to people who have a wide variety of needs. Consequently, some of the groups of people who the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving help are:

  • Those who aid individuals with Alzheimer’s or any form of dementia
  • People who take care of those who served in the military
  • Those who need help balancing work and caregiving responsibilities
  • Other caregivers

First Lady Rosalynn Carter In The White House

When she was the First Lady of the United States, Rosalynn Carter acted as a surrogate for her husband in the White House. Moreover, she set out to accomplish some incredible feats. Here are just some examples of the work she did:

  • Made a landmark trip to Latin America to bolster a partnership with the U.S.
  • Created an East Wing office to help disadvantaged individuals
  • Challenged age discrimination for older adults
  • Encouraged opportunities for those with disabilities
  • Fought to advance women’s equality
  • Provided relief to Cambodian refugees escaping genocide
  • Fought to require vaccinations in schools
  • Improved treatment and services for those with mental health issues

Suggested read: Did Joe Biden Serve in the Military?

Interesting Facts About Her Life

Beyond just what we see of Rosalynn Carter’s occupation, another important aspect of her life was her family. Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter was married to former President Jimmy Carter for 77 years. Together, Mr. and Mrs. Carter created a large family tree, with four children, twelve grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren.In addition to her work in and outside of the White House, she is the author (and co-author) of five novels:

  • First Lady from Plains
  • Everything to Gain: Making the Most of the Rest of Your Life
  • Helping Yourself and Others: A Book for Caregivers
  • Helping Someone with Mental Illness: A Compassionate Guide for Family, Friends, and Caregivers
  • Within Our Reach: Ending the Mental Health Crisis

Mrs. Carter was also an outdoorswoman and environmentalist. For example, her hobbies included fly-fishing, birdwatching, and gardening. Furthermore, she was also an advocate for the protection of pollinators, which she helped through the promotion of expanding pollinator habitats in the US and abroad with the Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail. It is hard to compact the life of a very accomplished woman into such a short article. In sum, we hope this gives you some idea of the accomplishments of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, who was 96 at the time of her passing. Undoubtedly, Mrs. Carter accomplished more than most could do with multiple lifetimes promoting the health and well-being of all persons.Read next: Jimmy Carter Military Service: From Sailor to POTUS


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