Tribute to Former First Lady of the United States; Memorial Ceremony for Rosalynn Carter Held

A memorial ceremony honoring Rosalynn Carter, former First Lady of the United States, was held on Tuesday in Atlanta, Georgia, where her family praised her distinguished life and advocacy efforts. According to CNN, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, former President Bill Clinton and former First Lady Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush, Michelle Obama, and Melania Trump also attended the ceremony. Family members and senior government officials celebrated her lifelong service and significant support. James Earl Carter, Rosalynn's son, referred to his mother in his speech as a strong and independent woman who played a crucial role in the success of her husband, Jimmy Carter. He also thanked his mother for her support during his struggle with addiction. At the ceremony, which was attended by U.S. presidents and first ladies, former President Jimmy Carter was present but unable to speak due to his deteriorating health. The tribute included a heartfelt letter from Jimmy Carter expressing his everlasting love for Rosalynn. The couple, after 77 years of marriage, played a fundamental role in humanitarian efforts post-presidency, establishing the Carter Center and aiding global peace. Rosalynn supported mental health initiatives for over 50 years and significantly impacted public understanding of mental health issues. Family and leaders remembered her as a woman, wife, mother, political strategist, and prominent advocate. Her private funeral is scheduled for Wednesday at the Maranatha Baptist Church near the couple's home, where they have lived since 1981 after his presidency. This ceremony further reflected the lasting impact of their work at the Carter Center on global issues and Rosalynn Carter's commitment to causes such as mental health, care, and social justice. Besides her role as a senior advisor during her husband Jimmy Carter's presidency, Rosalynn was a prominent advocate for mental health care worldwide and promoted the role of 'health caregivers' in American society. Rosalynn Carter was one of Jimmy Carter's closest advisors. The couple described their 77-year marriage as a 'full partnership,' with Rosalynn acting as an influential force even in cabinet meetings, unlike previous First Ladies. She was fiercely loyal and politically astute, known among reporters as 'Steel Magnolia' for her strong will, and was renowned for her advocacy of mental health and issues related to the elderly, often criticizing media focus on 'gender issues.' In the years 1979 and 1980, when Jimmy Carter had to remain in Washington to negotiate the release of American hostages in Iran, Rosalynn played an active role in her husband's presidential campaign until the last day. The American hostages, held for 444 days in Iran, were not released until Ronald Reagan's inauguration day, a point often cited as a dark moment in Jimmy Carter's presidency. The collaboration between Jimmy Carter and his wife to assist those in need is highlighted as Rosalynn Carter, former First Lady of the United States, passed away at the age of 96. Rosalynn Carter was under home hospice care. Former President Jimmy Carter celebrated his 99th birthday. Rosalynn Carter suffered from dementia. Former President Jimmy Carter was hospitalized. Jimmy Carter became the first former president to reach 95 years of age. Jimmy Carter achieved a historic record.