Rosalynn Carter, Former First Lady, Dead At 96

Rosalynn Carter was born in Plains, Georgia on August 18, 1927. She was the eldest of four children born to Wilburn and Allie Smith (via Brittanica). When her father passed away in the ’40s, Rosalynn stepped up to help support her family, getting a job at a salon. She would marry Jimmy Carter when she was just 18 years old, and their union would last until her death. The pair met through Jimmy’s sister, a close friend of Rosalynn. While they certainly hit it off, she denied his first proposal, believing it was too soon after they met to be hearing wedding bells.

Eventually, the pair would marry, and they would have three sons and one daughter. They were also proud grandparents and great-grandparents, living long enough lives to watch their children’s children grow up.

During the Carters’ time in the White House, Rosalynn worked closely with cabinet members, being a hands-on first lady. The Carter Administration issued the first mental health legislation in decades, the Mental Health Systems Act, and Rosalynn took to the floor of congress to speak on behalf of passing the legislation. After their time in Washington D.C, the Carters became synonymous with public service, working well into their 90s with Habitat for Humanity. Rosalynn was devoted to helping others, and she will be sincerely missed.