Rosalynn Carter.Photo: HUM Images/Universal Images Group via Getty
Eleanor Rosalynn Smith was born on Aug. 18, 1927, in Plains, Georgia. The eldest of four children, she helped raise her younger siblings and run the home after her father died when she was 13.She graduated as the valedictorian of her high school in 1944, according to theWhite House Historical Association.She eventually married Jimmy Carter; on the campaign trail leading up to his presidency, he called her his “secret weapon.“The two were together for 77 years, reaching their late 90s together and continuing to share moments in the public eye.On Nov. 19, 2023, the Carter family announced the beloved mother of four and grandmother to many had died, following a dementia diagnosis and move to hospice care.Here, look back on Rosalynn Carter’s life in photos.
Eleanor Rosalynn Smith was born on Aug. 18, 1927, in Plains, Georgia. The eldest of four children, she helped raise her younger siblings and run the home after her father died when she was 13.
She graduated as the valedictorian of her high school in 1944, according to theWhite House Historical Association.
She eventually married Jimmy Carter; on the campaign trail leading up to his presidency, he called her his “secret weapon.”
The two were together for 77 years, reaching their late 90s together and continuing to share moments in the public eye.On Nov. 19, 2023, the Carter family announced the beloved mother of four and grandmother to many had died, following a dementia diagnosis and move to hospice care.
Here, look back on Rosalynn Carter’s life in photos.
01of 25Rosalynn Carter Meets Jimmy CarterJimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter.Jimmy Carter LibraryOne year after graduating high school, Rosalynn started dating Jimmy Carter, then a student at the U.S. Naval Academy. Jimmy was the older brother of her childhood friend Ruth Carter, and her neighbor in Plains.
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Rosalynn Carter Meets Jimmy Carter
Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter.Jimmy Carter Library
One year after graduating high school, Rosalynn started dating Jimmy Carter, then a student at the U.S. Naval Academy. Jimmy was the older brother of her childhood friend Ruth Carter, and her neighbor in Plains.
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Rosalynn Carter Marries Jimmy Carter
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter wedding picture.Atlanta Journal-Constitution/AP
From the start, Jimmy knew Rosalynn was the one.
“She’s the girl I want to marry,” he told his mother after their first date, theWhite Housereported. They wed on July 7, 1946, the same year Rosalynn graduated from Georgia Southwestern College. The Carters were on the move for the next few years, relocating around the country for Jimmy’s Navy duties.
03of 25Rosalynn Carter Helps Run the BusinessJimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter.Jimmy Carter LibraryThe Carters returned their rural hometown of Plains in 1953 following the death of Jimmy’s father, and the future president took over his family’s peanut business. Ever the equal partner, Rosalynn managed the accounting and warehouse logistics, the WHHA said.Jimmy “quickly became a leader of the community” and was elected to the Georgia Senate in 1962, according to theJimmy Carter Presidential Library.
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Rosalynn Carter Helps Run the Business
The Carters returned their rural hometown of Plains in 1953 following the death of Jimmy’s father, and the future president took over his family’s peanut business. Ever the equal partner, Rosalynn managed the accounting and warehouse logistics, the WHHA said.
Jimmy “quickly became a leader of the community” and was elected to the Georgia Senate in 1962, according to theJimmy Carter Presidential Library.
04of 25Rosalynn Carter, Model MomJimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter with their sons.GettyChatting campaign strategy, perhaps? Jimmy and Rosalynn smiled alongside their three sons in this undated photo.After an unsuccessful run, Jimmy was elected governor of Georgia on the Democratic ticket in 1970 – and his political star would only continue to rise.
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Rosalynn Carter, Model Mom
Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter with their sons.Getty
Chatting campaign strategy, perhaps? Jimmy and Rosalynn smiled alongside their three sons in this undated photo.
After an unsuccessful run, Jimmy was elected governor of Georgia on the Democratic ticket in 1970 – and his political star would only continue to rise.
05of 25Rosalynn Carter Becomes the First Lady of GeorgiaJimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter with Elvis.Michael Ochs Archives/GettyDuring Jimmy’s term, Rosalynn would use her first lady platform to focus on mental health, which would become a lifelong mission and interest.With her encouragement, Jimmy created the Governor’s Commission to Improve Services to the Mentally and Emotionally Handicapped.The governorship came with great responsibility, plus some perks – like a backstage meeting with Elvis Presley in Atlanta!
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Rosalynn Carter Becomes the First Lady of Georgia
Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter with Elvis.Michael Ochs Archives/Getty
During Jimmy’s term, Rosalynn would use her first lady platform to focus on mental health, which would become a lifelong mission and interest.
With her encouragement, Jimmy created the Governor’s Commission to Improve Services to the Mentally and Emotionally Handicapped.
The governorship came with great responsibility, plus some perks – like a backstage meeting with Elvis Presley in Atlanta!
06of 25Rosalynn Carter Supports Her HusbandJimmy and Rosalynn Carter on election night in 1976.GettyJimmy announced that he was running for president in 1974, and Rosalynn would be there every step of the way – even hitting the trail on her own.“I love it. I love campaigning. I had the best time,” she told theAssociated Pressin July 2021. “I was in all the states in the United States.““My wife is much more political [than I am],” Jimmy said in the same conversation.Of her knack for canvassing, the White House said that her “quiet, friendly manner” and faith in her husband “made her an effective campaigner.“Here, the couple hugs on election night in 1976, after learning that Jimmy beat Gerald Ford and won the presidency.
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Rosalynn Carter Supports Her Husband
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter on election night in 1976.Getty
Jimmy announced that he was running for president in 1974, and Rosalynn would be there every step of the way – even hitting the trail on her own.
“I love it. I love campaigning. I had the best time,” she told theAssociated Pressin July 2021. “I was in all the states in the United States.”
“My wife is much more political [than I am],” Jimmy said in the same conversation.
Of her knack for canvassing, the White House said that her “quiet, friendly manner” and faith in her husband “made her an effective campaigner.”
Here, the couple hugs on election night in 1976, after learning that Jimmy beat Gerald Ford and won the presidency.
07of 25Rosalynn Carter Campaigns for ChangeRosalynn Carter with other first ladies.Bettmann/GettyNow the first lady of the United States, Rosalynn threw her support behind the Equal Rights Amendment and a brighter future for the women of America.Here, she joins former first lady Betty Ford and feminist activist Betty Friedan on stage at the National Women’s Conference in 1977.
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Rosalynn Carter Campaigns for Change
Rosalynn Carter with other first ladies.Bettmann/Getty
Now the first lady of the United States, Rosalynn threw her support behind the Equal Rights Amendment and a brighter future for the women of America.
Here, she joins former first lady Betty Ford and feminist activist Betty Friedan on stage at the National Women’s Conference in 1977.
08of 25Rosalynn Carter Shines a LightRosalynn Carter.HUM Images/Universal Images Group via GettyRosalynn made mental health her highest priority as first lady, advocating for greater accessibility for those in need of care and shedding the stigma around mental illness. She served as honorary chair when her husband established the President’s Commission on Mental Health in 1977.Devoted to her the role and the good she could do, Rosalynn also attended Cabinet meetings and major briefings through the Carter administration. She also paid special attention to the needs of the elderly.
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Rosalynn Carter Shines a Light
Rosalynn Carter.HUM Images/Universal Images Group via Getty
Rosalynn made mental health her highest priority as first lady, advocating for greater accessibility for those in need of care and shedding the stigma around mental illness. She served as honorary chair when her husband established the President’s Commission on Mental Health in 1977.
Devoted to her the role and the good she could do, Rosalynn also attended Cabinet meetings and major briefings through the Carter administration. She also paid special attention to the needs of the elderly.
09of 25Rosalynn Carter Travels AbroadRosalynn Carter.Bettmann/GettyIndependent in her office, Rosalynn served as her husband’s emissary for an extensive tour of Latin America in 1977.“Her role on this tour was not the traditional one of the hospital-visiting, tea-drinking First Lady, but rather, as Carter made it clear, a substantive role in which she spoke to government leaders and acted directly as his representative,” Rae Lindsay wrote in the bookThe Presidents' First Ladies.
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Rosalynn Carter Travels Abroad
Rosalynn Carter.Bettmann/Getty
Independent in her office, Rosalynn served as her husband’s emissary for an extensive tour of Latin America in 1977.
“Her role on this tour was not the traditional one of the hospital-visiting, tea-drinking First Lady, but rather, as Carter made it clear, a substantive role in which she spoke to government leaders and acted directly as his representative,” Rae Lindsay wrote in the bookThe Presidents' First Ladies.
10of 25Rosalynn Carter Celebrates ChristmasJimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter with daughter Amy.Karl Schumacher/White House/GettyMerry Christmas from the Carters! The first couple poses with their daughter Amy, then 10, before a spangled evergreen.While serving as first lady, Rosalynn was known to host lower-key festivities at the White House, compared to the parties of her predecessors.“She brings her own taste to her entertaining; white wine instead of hard liquor, classical music instead of nightclub humor, and open houses for the handicapped and the aged as well as politicians and potentates,“The Washington Postreported at the time.
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Rosalynn Carter Celebrates Christmas
Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter with daughter Amy.Karl Schumacher/White House/Getty
Merry Christmas from the Carters! The first couple poses with their daughter Amy, then 10, before a spangled evergreen.
While serving as first lady, Rosalynn was known to host lower-key festivities at the White House, compared to the parties of her predecessors.
“She brings her own taste to her entertaining; white wine instead of hard liquor, classical music instead of nightclub humor, and open houses for the handicapped and the aged as well as politicians and potentates,“The Washington Postreported at the time.
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Rosalynn Carter Sees the World
The first lady accompanied her husband on a trip to Egypt in March 1979. Here, the first couple poses with Egyptian President Anwar el-Sadat and his wife Jehan at the famous pyramids of Giza.
Six months later, Jimmy would encourage Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin to sign the Camp David Accords, bringing the countries into a historic peace agreement.
During his term as president, Jimmy is also strengthened relations with China and pardoned Vietnam draft evaders.
12of 25Rosalynn Carter Meets Foreign LeadersJimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter.Active in diplomatic relations throughout her husband’s administration, Rosalynn chats here with Prime Minister Adolfo Suarez in Spain in 1980.
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Rosalynn Carter Meets Foreign Leaders
Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter.
Active in diplomatic relations throughout her husband’s administration, Rosalynn chats here with Prime Minister Adolfo Suarez in Spain in 1980.
13of 25Rosalynn Carter Returns to GeorgiaJimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter.Charles Kelly/APThe 1980 presidential election didn’t go as the Carters had hoped, with Jimmy losing in a landslide to Ronald Reagan.“I didn’twantto come home,” Rosalynn told PEOPLE in 2014 of going back to Plains.Nevertheless, “they kept looking ahead to what good they could do for the world,” their friend Wayne Harpster told PEOPLE. “They don’t look back much,” he added.Two years later, they founded The Carter Center to promote peace and protect human rights around the world.The nongovernment organization works in partnership with Emory University “to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health,” according to itsmission statement.Since its establishment, the Carter Center has facilitated programs in more than 80 countries.
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Rosalynn Carter Returns to Georgia
Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter.Charles Kelly/AP
The 1980 presidential election didn’t go as the Carters had hoped, with Jimmy losing in a landslide to Ronald Reagan.
“I didn’twantto come home,” Rosalynn told PEOPLE in 2014 of going back to Plains.
Nevertheless, “they kept looking ahead to what good they could do for the world,” their friend Wayne Harpster told PEOPLE. “They don’t look back much,” he added.
Two years later, they founded The Carter Center to promote peace and protect human rights around the world.
The nongovernment organization works in partnership with Emory University “to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health,” according to itsmission statement.
Since its establishment, the Carter Center has facilitated programs in more than 80 countries.
14of 25Rosalynn Carter ReflectsRosalynn Carter’s portrait.White House Collection/White House Historical AssociationIn 1984, Rosalynn published her autobiography,First Lady from Plains.The same year, theWhite Houseunveiled her official portrait, honoring her service as first lady from 1977 to 1981.
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Rosalynn Carter Reflects
Rosalynn Carter’s portrait.White House Collection/White House Historical Association
In 1984, Rosalynn published her autobiography,First Lady from Plains.
The same year, theWhite Houseunveiled her official portrait, honoring her service as first lady from 1977 to 1981.
15of 25Rosalynn Carter Gets InvolvedJimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter.Habitat for Humanity InternationalIn 1984, the former first couple got involved with Habitat for Humanity.The partnershipwould blossom into a force for change and lead to the creation of theCarter Work Project, a subsidiary of the larger nonprofit.To date, the Carters worked alongside thousands of volunteers in 14 countries to build, repair and renovate 4,390 homes for those in need.“For anybody who wants to get involved with an organization, there is nothing that they could do that would give them such a life-changing experience as Habitat,” Rosalynn once said in astatement. “This is something that brings together people who have everything they need and those who don’t have so many things we take for granted.”
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Rosalynn Carter Gets Involved
Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter.Habitat for Humanity International
In 1984, the former first couple got involved with Habitat for Humanity.The partnershipwould blossom into a force for change and lead to the creation of theCarter Work Project, a subsidiary of the larger nonprofit.
To date, the Carters worked alongside thousands of volunteers in 14 countries to build, repair and renovate 4,390 homes for those in need.
“For anybody who wants to get involved with an organization, there is nothing that they could do that would give them such a life-changing experience as Habitat,” Rosalynn once said in astatement. “This is something that brings together people who have everything they need and those who don’t have so many things we take for granted.”
16of 25Rosalynn Carter Writes More BooksRosalynn Carter.GettyRosalynn kept writing, and went on to author four more books, posing here at a signing forHelping Someone with Mental Illness: A Compassionate Guide for Families, Friends and Caregiversin 1998.Other texts includeHelping Yourself Help Others: The Caregiver’s Handbook(1994) andWithin Our Reach: Ending the Mental Health Crisis(2010).Another cause close to her heart, the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving atGeorgia Southwestern State University(her alma mater), was established in her honor in 1987.The RCI works to inform and support the 53 million unpaid family caregivers in America, and millions more around the globe.
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Rosalynn Carter Writes More Books
Rosalynn Carter.Getty
Rosalynn kept writing, and went on to author four more books, posing here at a signing forHelping Someone with Mental Illness: A Compassionate Guide for Families, Friends and Caregiversin 1998.
Other texts includeHelping Yourself Help Others: The Caregiver’s Handbook(1994) andWithin Our Reach: Ending the Mental Health Crisis(2010).
Another cause close to her heart, the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving atGeorgia Southwestern State University(her alma mater), was established in her honor in 1987.
The RCI works to inform and support the 53 million unpaid family caregivers in America, and millions more around the globe.
17of 25Rosalynn Carter Receives a Patriotic HonorJimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter.John Bazemore/APIn 1999, the Carters were awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian honor, for their philanthropic post-presidential work.While presenting the medals, then-president Bill Clinton said that Rosalynn and Jimmy had “done more good things for more people than any other couple on the face of the earth.”
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Rosalynn Carter Receives a Patriotic Honor
Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter.John Bazemore/AP
In 1999, the Carters were awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian honor, for their philanthropic post-presidential work.
While presenting the medals, then-president Bill Clinton said that Rosalynn and Jimmy had “done more good things for more people than any other couple on the face of the earth.”
18of 25Rosalynn Carter & Fellow First LadiesRosalynn Carter.David Hume Kennerly/GettyWhat a club! Rosalynn stands with fellow former first ladies Barbara Bush, Betty Ford, Nancy Reagan and Hillary Clinton at the 20th anniversary celebration of the Betty Ford Center in 2003.
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Rosalynn Carter & Fellow First Ladies
Rosalynn Carter.David Hume Kennerly/Getty
What a club! Rosalynn stands with fellow former first ladies Barbara Bush, Betty Ford, Nancy Reagan and Hillary Clinton at the 20th anniversary celebration of the Betty Ford Center in 2003.
19of 25Rosalynn Carter Hits the Campaign TrailJimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter.Scott Olson/GettyBeyond their post-presidency work as a human rights and public health ambassadors, Rosalynn and Jimmy attended the Democratic National Convention in years past. Here, they stepped out at the 2004 event, which saw Sen. John Kerry secure his party’s nomination for president.
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Rosalynn Carter Hits the Campaign Trail
Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter.Scott Olson/Getty
Beyond their post-presidency work as a human rights and public health ambassadors, Rosalynn and Jimmy attended the Democratic National Convention in years past. Here, they stepped out at the 2004 event, which saw Sen. John Kerry secure his party’s nomination for president.
20of 25Rosalynn Carter VolunteersJimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter.Habitat For Humanity/Angel PachkowskiProving that age is nothing but a number, Rosalynn, then 80, and Jimmy, then 83, held hands at the opening ceremony for the 2008 Carter Work Project in Biloxi, Mississippi.
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Rosalynn Carter Volunteers
Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter.Habitat For Humanity/Angel Pachkowski
Proving that age is nothing but a number, Rosalynn, then 80, and Jimmy, then 83, held hands at the opening ceremony for the 2008 Carter Work Project in Biloxi, Mississippi.
21of 25Rosalynn Carter Stays ActiveRosalynn Carter.Brooks Kraft LLC/Corbis via GettyOnce a first lady, always a first lady. Rosalynn smiled here withMichelle Obama, Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, Barbara Bush and Rosalynn Carter at the dedication for the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas in 2008.
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Rosalynn Carter Stays Active
Rosalynn Carter.Brooks Kraft LLC/Corbis via Getty
Once a first lady, always a first lady. Rosalynn smiled here withMichelle Obama, Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, Barbara Bush and Rosalynn Carter at the dedication for the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas in 2008.
22of 25Rosalynn Carter Cheers on Her GrandsonJimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter.Jessica McGowan/GettyVote for Carter! Proud grandparents Rosalynn and Jimmy supported their grandson Jason Carter on the campaign trail in 2014.Jason served in the Georgia State Senate from 2010 to 2015, and is pictured here during his run for governor of Georgia in 2014.
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Rosalynn Carter Cheers on Her Grandson
Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter.Jessica McGowan/Getty
Vote for Carter! Proud grandparents Rosalynn and Jimmy supported their grandson Jason Carter on the campaign trail in 2014.
Jason served in the Georgia State Senate from 2010 to 2015, and is pictured here during his run for governor of Georgia in 2014.
23of 25Rosalynn Carter Shares a KissJimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter.John Bazemore/APJust a few weeks after their 69th wedding anniversary, the Carters shared a kiss in the stands at an Atlanta Braves baseball game.Rosalynn and Jimmy became the longest-married presidential couple in 2019. Two years later, in honor of their 75th anniversary, the former president shared an adorable secret for a lifetime of love.“My biggest secret is to marry the right person if you want to have a long-lasting marriage,” Jimmy told theAssociated Press.“Every day there needs to be reconciliation and communication between the two spouses,” he explained. “We don’t go to sleep with some remaining differences between us.”
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Rosalynn Carter Shares a Kiss
Just a few weeks after their 69th wedding anniversary, the Carters shared a kiss in the stands at an Atlanta Braves baseball game.
Rosalynn and Jimmy became the longest-married presidential couple in 2019. Two years later, in honor of their 75th anniversary, the former president shared an adorable secret for a lifetime of love.
“My biggest secret is to marry the right person if you want to have a long-lasting marriage,” Jimmy told theAssociated Press.
“Every day there needs to be reconciliation and communication between the two spouses,” he explained. “We don’t go to sleep with some remaining differences between us.”
24of 25Rosalynn Carter Smiles with Her FamilyJimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter.Sarah ReiffFour generations! Jimmy and Rosalynn posed with their three children, their spouses, some of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren at The Carter Center in Atlanta in 2014.“They’re just very active citizens in this 600-person town,” grandson Jason toldPEOPLEin 2021 of the former first couple’s busy retirement. “[They’re] trying to help people fix their roofs, make sure the town is healthy and happy and has a Boys and Girls Club that people can go to and get support and things like that.”
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Rosalynn Carter Smiles with Her Family
Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter.Sarah Reiff
Four generations! Jimmy and Rosalynn posed with their three children, their spouses, some of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren at The Carter Center in Atlanta in 2014.
“They’re just very active citizens in this 600-person town,” grandson Jason toldPEOPLEin 2021 of the former first couple’s busy retirement. “[They’re] trying to help people fix their roofs, make sure the town is healthy and happy and has a Boys and Girls Club that people can go to and get support and things like that.”
25of 25Rosalynn Carter Looks ForwardJimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter.Matt McClain/The Washington Post/Getty"I’ve had so many opportunities,” Rosalynn previously told PEOPLE. “And I’ve tried to take advantage of them all.”
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Rosalynn Carter Looks Forward
Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter.Matt McClain/The Washington Post/Getty
“I’ve had so many opportunities,” Rosalynn previously told PEOPLE. “And I’ve tried to take advantage of them all.”
source: people.com
