Remembering First Lady Rosalynn Carter

Rosalynn Carter, former first lady of the United States, passed away on Sunday, November 19, 2023, at 96 years old. She was laid to rest on Wednesday, November 29, at the Carter Home and Garden, part of Jimmy Carter National Historical Park.

The three days of events honoring Mrs. Carter began on November 27, with a procession from the Carter Home and Garden, through their hometown of Plains, Georgia to Georgia Southwestern State University, Mrs. Carter’s, alma mater, for a wreath laying ceremony, followed by a repose ceremony and public visitation at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta. President and Dr. Biden, former President Bill Clinton and all four living former first ladies attended the tribute service took place at Emory University in Atlanta on November 28. The funeral took place on November 29 at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, followed by interment at the Carter Home and Garden. The Carter Home and Garden remains closed to all public visitors.

As first lady, Rosalynn Carter exerted considerable influence over the modern role of the first lady. An activist first lady with her own bold agenda, she created the Office of the First Lady as a distinct White House office from which she set about helping disadvantaged people. Her efforts challenged age discrimination for older adults, encouraged opportunities for people with developmental disabilities, and advanced women’s equality. To protect children from unnecessary illness or possible death, she campaigned vigorously to require vaccinations to register for school. Above all, she devoted herself to improving treatment and services for those coping with mental health conditions, a cause she adopted when her husband was governor and that remained her priority for the rest of her life.

Explore the articles below to learn more about the life and legacy of Rosalynn Carter and visit the official tribute page hosted by The Carter Center.

Visit Jimmy Carter NHP