A tribute ceremony in Atlanta honored the life and service of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter on Tuesday. The current president, first lady, and other dignitaries attended the event. Carter, aged 96, passed away at her Plains home last Sunday after her family announced her entry into hospice. She had been diagnosed with dementia in May.
Rosalynn Carter will be laid to rest at her home on Wednesday following a private funeral service at Maranatha Baptist Church.
Jason Carter, Rosalynn’s grandson, thanked everyone for their love and support during this tough time. The invite-only ceremony happened at Glenn Memorial Church, part of a three-day farewell that started with a public event at the Carter Center in Atlanta on Monday.
Rosalynn Carter’s Enduring Legacy and Love Story
Rosalynn Carter is celebrated as a groundbreaking first lady who redefined her role. She broke conventions by serving as her husband’s key advisor, even facing criticism for participating in cabinet meetings. Her legacy includes championing mental health, caregiving, and women’s rights.
“At Tuesday’s service, journalist Judy Woodruff expressed, ‘Without Rosalynn Carter, I don’t believe there would have been a President Carter. She and the two of you set an example for all of us.'”
Former President Jimmy Carter, 99, attended the service in a wheelchair but did not speak. He has been in hospice care since last February and was last seen publicly in September at the Plains Peanut Festival. The Carters, married for 77 years, appeared surprised at that event.
Amy Carter expressed, “My mom spent most of her life in love with my dad. Their partnership and love story was a defining feature of her life.” She continued, “Because he can’t speak to you today, I’m going to share some of his words about loving and missing her.”
Amy Carter conveyed, “My mom spent most of her life in love with my dad. Their partnership and love story was a defining feature of her life.” She then shared words from a letter Jimmy Carter wrote to Rosalynn 75 years ago during his Navy service: “My darling, every time I have ever been away from you, I have been thrilled when I returned to discover just how wonderful you are. While I’m away I tried to convince myself that you are not, could not be as sweet and beautiful as I remember. But I fall in love with you all over again when I see you. Does that seem strange to you? It doesn’t to me. Goodbye, darling. Until tomorrow, Jimmy.”
Jimmy Carter acknowledged Rosalynn as an “equal partner in everything I ever accomplished” in a statement after her death.
A Gathering of Leaders at Rosalynn Carter’s Tribute
At the tribute service, four living former first ladies – Melania Trump, Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, and Hillary Rodham Clinton, who also served as Secretary of State – along with sitting first lady Jill Biden attended. President Joe Biden and former President Bill Clinton were also present, leading Jason Carter to humorously note, “Secretary Clinton and Dr. Biden, we also welcome your lovely husbands.”
Prominent officials at the service included Vice President Kamala Harris, Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, U.S. Sens. Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, Gov. Brian Kemp, first lady Marty Kemp, and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.
However, these influential figures still need to address the gathering. Instead, the service highlighted colleagues who had become family friends and members of the Carter family. Children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren took turns sharing memories and reading scripture.
Kathryn Cade, former White House Projects Director to Rosalynn Carter, highlighted, “Her tenure as the first lady of the United States was just one chapter in a life that was really devoted to caring and doing good for others.”
After Jimmy Carter’s inauguration in 1977, the President’s Commission on Mental Health was formed, with Rosalynn as honorary chairperson. She played a crucial role in the passage of the Mental Health Systems Act in 1980, advocating for more community centers and significant changes in health insurance coverage. Her influence on behavioral health policy persisted for decades.
Following a challenging defeat in 1980 to Ronald Reagan, the Carters returned to Georgia and established the Carter Center in Atlanta. The center’s mission is to “wage peace, fight disease, and build hope.” Additionally, the former first lady founded what is now known as the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers at Georgia Southwestern State University, her alma mater and one of the initial stops on the multi-day motorcade route.
The Carters have long been dedicated supporters of Habitat for Humanity, actively volunteering on work sites and initiating their special annual project.
Biden’s Presence and Peaceful Demonstrations
Biden’s attendance at the tribute ceremony prompted a small group of demonstrators along the motorcade route in Atlanta. Holding signs with slogans like “Free Palestine,” the protesters, organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation, called for a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Palestine and urged the U.S. government to cease sending funds to Israel. The protest organizer, Satya Vati emphasized, “We’re not here to disrupt Rosalynn Carter’s tribute. We’re joining the millions of people across the country going wherever Biden is going and protesting him.”
On Tuesday, those paying their respects far outnumbered the demonstrators. Among those gathered, Alicia Carew patiently awaited the motorcade along the route. After catching a glimpse, she returned to her nearby condo to watch the livestream of the ceremony.
Carew emphasized the importance of respect, admiring Rosalynn Carter for a well-lived life. In a time marked by contention, she appreciates the Carters for embracing peace, love, and faith, standing out amid the prevailing bitterness and division.
“They’ve stayed out of the political fray; as far as the bitter politics we have today, they’ve always taken the high road. I think it’s a great example.”
Inside the church, the focus shifted entirely to Rosalynn Carter. Chip Carter credited his mother with aiding his recovery from addiction, stating, “she saved my life.”
Grandson Jason Carter injected some humor with tales of his grandmother’s love for adventure, recounting the mountains she climbed and highlighting her remarkable down-to-earth nature. One amusing incident involved her distributing homemade pimento cheese sandwiches to strangers during a family vacation on a commercial flight. Even into his 40s, she continued sending him a birthday card with a $20 bill.
Jason Carter also reflected on Rosalynn’s political journey, noting her hesitancy as someone who had never addressed a larger audience than her Sunday school class. Despite this, she went on to help elect a governor and a president, shape national policy, confront dictators on human rights issues, and transform the Carter Center from an idea into a human rights powerhouse.
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