TL/DR –
Former US President Jimmy Carter came out of hospice care to honor his late wife and former first lady, Rosalynn Carter, at a tribute held at Emory University in Atlanta. Rosalynn Carter, who recently died at 96, had a lifelong dedication to improving mental health services and transforming the role of the first lady. In addition to Jimmy Carter, the tribute was attended by several high-profile individuals such as President Biden, former President Bill Clinton, and all five living first ladies, and featured musical selections and tributes.
Jimmy Carter Emerges from Hospice Care to Honor Wife, Rosalynn Carter
Former President Jimmy Carter, age 99, will join other past presidents and every living presidential spouse on Tuesday to honor his wife, Rosalynn Carter, the nation’s first lady from 1977 to 1981, according to the Carter Center.
Mr. Carter, who has spent most time away from public events since entering hospice care, traveled 140 miles from his home in Plains, GA, to Atlanta to celebrate his wife’s life at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at Emory University. The event was attended by President Biden, ex-President Bill Clinton, and all five living first ladies.
“He’s reaching the end; he’s physically diminished,” noted Jason Carter, the former president’s grandson, and Carter Center board chairman. However, he added that his grandfather was eager to be present for his wife’s tribute.
Memorial for Former First Lady, Rosalynn Carter
Having suffered from dementia, Mrs. Carter passed away at 96 at the family’s ranch house in Plains, a few months after their 77th wedding anniversary. This marked them as the longest-lasting presidential couple in US history. Their last public appearance was at the Plains Peanut Festival in September.
Born in Plains, Eleanor Rosalynn Smith lived most of her life in the small town, married her childhood friend’s older brother, and became known as Rosalynn Carter. Despite reaching the White House and transforming the first lady’s role, she never forgot her humble origins.
Post-presidency, the couple returned to their small house built in 1961 and dedicated themselves to several philanthropic activities. Her grandson commended her work towards understanding and fighting the stigma around mental illness.
Guests and Tributes for Rosalynn Carter’s Memorial Service
High-profile attendees included VP Kamala Harris, Jill Biden, Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush, Michelle Obama, Melania Trump, Governor Brian Kemp, and Atlanta’s Mayor Andre Dickens. None of the attendees were scheduled to speak at the simple and elegant ceremony organized per Mrs. Carter’s wishes.
Her grandchildren served as honorary pallbearers, and tributes were delivered by family members, close friends, and her personal pastor. The ceremony included musical selections from members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, David Osborne, Garth Brooks, and Trisha Yearwood.
After the service, Mrs. Carter’s remains will be taken back to Plains for a funeral service at Maranatha Baptist Church. She will be buried at the Carter Home and Garden, part of the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, where Mr. Carter plans to rest beside her.
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