Rosalynn Carter's enduring legacy of humanitarianism

Rosalynn Carter was more than just a former first lady of the United States. She was a humanitarian, a mental health advocate, and a compassionate leader who dedicated her life to improving the lives of others. She was a partner and a confidante to her husband, former President Jimmy Carter, and a role model and a mentor to many people around the world.

Some of her enduring legacy of humanitarianism are:

Mental Health Awareness

Rosalynn Carter bravely addressed mental illness at a time when it was often shrouded in stigma, becoming an advocate for change across her communities. Through speaking out on it and normalizing conversations that had once been uncomfortable or taboo, Rosalynn helped foster change and empathy within societies across America.

As First Lady of Georgia and mother, Carter understood the challenges many families faced in caring for loved ones suffering from mental illness. This understanding drove her passion and persistence when championing this cause both during her term of office as First Lady as well as after leaving office.

As her husband was president, Rosalynn Carter traveled the world as an emissary for The Carter Center where they dedicated 52 weeks yearly (one was spent working on Habitat for Humanity projects). Their international travels focused on strengthening democracy, expanding human rights and resolving conflicts.

As one of the co-founders of this organization, she led its mental health program and directed its annual Rosalynn Carter Symposium on Mental Health Policy - uniting various organizations and individuals in an attempt to address critical issues related to mental illness policy. Carter published several books, such as her autobiography First Lady from Plains (1980); Everything to Gain: Making the Most of Your Life (1984) and A Compassionate Guide for Family and Caregivers of Someone Living with Mental Illness: A Compassionate Guide (with Susan K Golant)

After leaving the White House, Rosalynn Carter continued her work and advocacy by founding the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving at what is now Georgia Southwestern State University in Plains. Additionally, she wrote five additional books with one being her most recent: Beyond Yourself: Helping Others with Mental Health Issues (2018).

As someone who knew and admired her, the loss of this steadfast humanitarian is deeply felt. From Plains to global platforms, her dedication and passion for helping others left an indelible mark on all those whose lives she touched - leaving an unforgettable mark. Carter requested donations be made in her memory to either The Carter Center's Mental Health Program or Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving as a fitting tribute.

Environmental Protection

Carter became a tireless champion for environmental causes as well as those suffering mental illness in their family units. Additionally, she participated in global development and conflict resolution initiatives alongside her husband Kauffman. "She always tried to make the world better for those around her; she wanted people to feel loved and cared for."

She joined cabinet meetings as first lady, becoming an activist and leader herself. Known for championing mental health awareness and childcare concerns, she went above and beyond expectations by meeting with foreign leaders to address pressing matters.

Her most noteworthy accomplishment while serving was organizing Middle East peace talks at Camp David; during these 13-day discussions she took almost 200 typed pages of notes! As President Carter Center website details, after her time in office she continued traveling around to strengthen democracy and resolve conflicts around the globe through philanthropy work.

She was an active partner in all activities associated with The Carter Center as a co-founder, working alongside her husband on all activities as a full partner and taking an outspoken stand on various social issues throughout her career. She will always be remembered fondly by many and her passion for creating a more caring society will live on in many minds for decades to come.

President Joe Biden and former first lady Jill Biden issued official statements of sympathy, lauding her strength and kindness. Other politicians such as Vice President Kamala Harris and former president George W. Bush also shared their grief over her passing.

Donors who would like to remember Rosalynn Carter should donate to The Carter Center; donations may be designated towards its Mental Health Program or Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers. These organizations strive to build more compassionate societies while fighting poverty, disease and environmental protection worldwide.

Human Rights

Emory University joins in mourning her loss and honoring her as an inspiring leader, having known her personally since 1985. Her commitment to mental health, childhood immunization and human rights touched lives from around the globe and left a legacy. Emory joins other universities worldwide in honoring and remembering this remarkable woman whose work made such an impactful difference for so many women worldwide. Emory joins Emory alumni worldwide in mourning her passing while acknowledging the many sacrifices she made as first lady of Emory University joins them all mourning her passing and remembering all that she accomplished during her long and distinguished tenure in Washington - it all celebrates and remembers her leadership achievements throughout her lifetime!

Rosalynn Carter was an exceptional humanitarian. As she grew up on a farm and in Plains, Georgia with her mother teaching her the value of hard work, Rosalynn quickly adopted this way of helping others - becoming involved with numerous organizations as a volunteer and supporting elders in need within her community.

Whilst her husband was president, she traveled the globe bringing him news and information that was essential in making key decisions for his nation. She joined him during trips to Africa as he worked to foster peace, oversee elections, and eradicate Guinea worm disease; supported his efforts in ending Iran hostage crisis even when it threatened full-scale war; worked to help poor families access health care benefits and push him for reform in government accountability and transparency.

After her time in the White House, she and Jimmy co-founded The Carter Center - an independent nonprofit based out of Atlanta that strives to improve lives through conflict resolution, global health issues, education development and human rights - with which she played an active role alongside him in all activities associated with The Center.

She was an unwaveringly dedicated humanitarian throughout her long and extraordinary life, earning the admiration of all who knew her. A true leader, she set an example of service, faith, compassion and moral leadership which will be greatly missed by millions who benefited from her works and legacy.

A Role Model for Women in Leadership

Rosalynn Carter set an incredible example for women leaders, both through her ability to excel at a male-dominated profession and by fighting tirelessly for causes dear to her - such as mental health parity or rallying support for families living with chronic illnesses, family caregivers or childhood immunization. Rosalynn Carter lived by the principle that "if you care about people, they will care about you".

Grief over her death revealed how many of her fellow citizens saw her as an invaluable public figure who advocated tirelessly on behalf of those in need. Tributes from politicians across political parties demonstrated her influence far beyond West Wing confines.

As she witnessed her husband rise through politics, she defied stereotypes of first ladies as hostesses and fashion mavens and became the centerpiece of his campaigns and administrations, taking part in Cabinet meetings as well as advocating for greater attention on mental illness - eventually leading to passage of the Mental Health Systems Act).

After leaving the White House in 1981, Mrs. Carter continued her work at The Carter Center in Atlanta by spearheading efforts towards peace, global health and family empowerment while simultaneously championing his causes - which had also been those of former president Jimmy Carter who passed away that same year.

As a tireless champion of human rights, she was widely acknowledged and trusted voice on issues that garnered bipartisan support, from early childhood immunization to fighting poverty and hunger, family caregivers needing support to universal health coverage needs.

She was an epitome of faith and wisdom who will be greatly missed by all who knew her - not least by the multitudes of family caregivers who will forever cherish her dedication to their causes.

Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, who served with her husband during his one-term presidency, described Carter as an extraordinary public servant who defined the role of First Lady for generations to come. Pelosi described Carter as being "fierce advocates for those in need" who was always on the side of justice; according to The Carter Center she passed just days after entering hospice at her Plains Georgia home.