How old was Rosalynn Carter when she died?
ROSALYNN Carter was once the First Lady of the United States after her husband, Jimmy Carter, became president in 1977.
She passed away on November 19, 2023, just days after she joined Jimmy in hospice care following a dementia diagnosis.
How old was Rosalynn Carter when she died?
Rosalynn Carter was a writer and advocate known for her work with mental health.
The former First Lady was born on August 18, 1927, in Plains, Georgia, making her 96 years old when she passed on.
She got married to fellow Plains local and future president Jimmy Carter when she was just 18 years old and has remained by his side ever since.
Carter became First Lady of Georgia when her husband won the governor’s role in 1970 and First Lady of the US when he was inaugurated as president in 1977 until he left office in 1981.
One of her most important roles during her husband’s presidency was as the Active Honorary Chair of the President's Commission on Mental Health.
Upon the death of Barbara Bush on April 17, 2018, Carter became the oldest living former First Lady.
She and Jimmy had four children: John William "Jack" (b. 1947), James Earl "Chip" III (b. 1950), Donnel Jeffrey "Jeff" (b. 1952), and Amy Lynn (b. 1967).
Does Rosalynn Carter have dementia?
Over the years, the Carters have stayed out of the spotlight, but Rosalynn made headlines after the Carter Center announced her diagnosis.
On May 30, 2023, it was revealed that Rosalynn had been diagnosed with dementia.
Dementia is a broad term often used to describe a group of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and social abilities, according to the Mayo Clinic.
"The Carter family is sharing that former First Lady Rosalynn Carter has dementia," the center said in a statement at the time.
"She continues to live happily at home with her husband, enjoying spring in Plains and visits with loved ones."
On November 17, 2023, The Carter Center revealed that the former First Lady had entered into a hospice facility. The move comes nine months after the former President entered into hospice care.
The statement read: "Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter has entered hospice care at home. She and President Carter are spending time with each other and their family. The Carter family continues to ask for privacy and remains grateful for the outpouring of love and support."
What is the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving?
The former First Lady is the Board Chair of the Rosalynn Carter Institute (RCI) at Georgia Southwestern State University.
The RCI was established in 1987 and works to address caregiving issues in America.
The Institute focuses on both family and professional caregivers for individuals living with chronic illness and disabilities.
It provides scholarships and fellowships to students throughout Georgia, offers a Certificate Programme in Caregiving at the University, conducts needs assessments and research on caregivers, provides training and education for caregivers through its own curriculum, and operates a Caregiver Resource Centre for residents of southwest Georgia.