Rosalynn Carter, former First Lady of the United States and the wife of Jimmy Carter, passed away at the age of 96 last week, just two days after entering home hospice care. Her husband, Jimmy, who is 99, is in hospice care and stayed by her side through 77 years of marriage and until the very end. There are many memorial services and tributes in landmarks Rosalynn knew and loved. Her legacy and the causes she stood for are things we can pass on well after any services have concluded.
During her time as First Lady and for a lifetime to follow, Rosalynn was a huge advocate for women’s rights, mental health treatment, and civil rights. An article from ABC interviewed an author, Kate Andersen Brower, who penned the book “First Women: The Grace and Power of America’s Modern First Ladies.” When describing how Rosalynn advocated for mental health, she expressed it this way:
“She was ahead of her time, and she was deeply frustrated, actually, that we’re still kind of in this place where there is a stigma around mental health. But she did a lot to lessen it.”
The article continues to talk about the Carter Center, which opened in 1982, and its impact on local and global missions.
When speaking directly of the impact Rosalynn carried, author Brower had this to say:
“She’s been to [the] Sudan, North Korea [and] Cuba, trying to advocate for democracy and free and fair elections and then drilling down on these very specific diseases that often come with drinking contaminated water.”
Mental health is something many individuals deal with. Prioritizing care and decreasing stigma around this topic is crucial to supporting these individuals the best we can. At Georgia Southwestern State University, Rosalynn helped found the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers, which prioritizes wellness and education for caregivers.
On top of the trailblazing moves the former first lady and former president worked on together, Rosalynn Carter was also an essential piece in her local community.
She taught Sunday school at a local church, one where they will also have a smaller private funeral for friends and family in the coming days.
May we all be inspired by Rosalynn’s willingness to advocate for change and her compassionate, empathetic nature. Treat others with kindness. Love your community. Remember never to judge someone based on their external circumstances. Which legacy above resonated with you the most? Let us know in the comments below!
Featured image via “Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter” by Georgia Tech / Public Domain
