In a touching Rosalynn Carter memorial service is being held at Glenn Memorial Church in Atlanta, the nation came together to celebrate the life and legacy of Rosalynn Carter, a beloved former First Lady and global humanitarian who passed away at the age of 96. The tribute, attended by dignitaries, family, and friends, showcased the enduring impact of Mrs. Carter’s advocacy for mental health, caregiving, and her unwavering support for her husband, former President Jimmy Carter.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, close friends of the Carters, led the list of prominent figures in attendance. Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, along with former First Ladies Melania Trump, Michelle Obama, and Laura Bush, also paid their respects. Vice President Kamala Harris, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and his wife Marty Kemp joined the gathering.
Notably, all living U.S. First Ladies were present, marking the first such gathering since 2018. A heartwarming sight was Melania Trump and Michelle Obama seated side by side, transcending political boundaries to honor a woman who had earned universal respect.
The service was especially significant as it marked a rare public appearance by 99-year-old former President Jimmy Carter. Despite his declining health and months of hospice care, he was determined to be present for his beloved wife’s farewell. With his daughter, Amy, by his side, President Carter watched the proceedings from the front row, a symbol of his enduring love and devotion.
Rosalynn Carter’s impact on mental health advocacy was a central theme of the service. Throughout her life, she worked tirelessly to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, championing causes that improved the lives of countless individuals. As First Lady of Georgia and later as the U.S. First Lady, she played a pivotal role in the passage of a 1980 act that funded local mental health centers.
After leaving Washington, Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter founded the Carter Center in 1982, where she continued her advocacy for mental health, early childhood immunization, and humanitarian causes. Her dedication and contributions have left an indelible mark on society.
The Rosalynn Carter memorial service featured classical music, beloved hymns, and readings of Rosalynn Carter’s favorite passages from the Bible. Country music stars Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, close friends of the Carters and active supporters of Habitat for Humanity, performed John Lennon’s “Imagine,” adding a touch of music to the solemn occasion.
Following the service, Rosalynn Carter began her journey home to Plains, Georgia, where a private funeral service will take place at the Maranatha Baptist Church. She will be laid to rest at the Carter Home and Garden, next to her husband, in the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park.
As the nation bids farewell to Rosalynn Carter, her remarkable life and dedication to important causes serve as a reminder of the impact that one person can have on the world. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.