Rosalynn Carter, Former First Lady, Dies at 96

Facts

• The Carter Center announced the death of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, 96, in her Georgia home on Sunday.¹
• Diagnosed with dementia in May, Rosalynn entered hospice care at home on Friday — joining her 99-year-old husband, former Pres. Jimmy Carter, who has been receiving end-of-life treatment since February.²
• Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) said the US would remember Rosalynn for her 'compassionate nature and passion for women's rights, human rights and mental health reform.'³
• In an official joint statement, Pres. Biden and First Lady Jill Biden stated that Rosalynn was 'a champion for equal rights,' 'an advocate for mental health,' and 'a supporter of the often unseen and uncompensated caregivers.'⁴
• Meanwhile, Jimmy Carter, in a statement issued via the Carter Center, called her an 'equal partner' in everything he ever accomplished, adding, 'She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it.'²
• Aside from her husband, Rosalynn — dubbed the 'steel magnolia' during her White House years between 1977 and 1981 — is survived by four children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.¹

Sources: ¹USA Today, ²The Guardian, ³Jon Ossoff and ⁴Associated Press.

Narratives

• Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by Associated Press. Rosalynn Carter was a devoted mother and wife, but also a great humanitarian, public servant, and global leader. She will be recognized for her vast efforts in championing those who often didn't have a voice for themselves; including those with mental health issues and disabilities. She will be long remembered on the world stage among nations, organizations, and citizens of the United States and beyond.
• Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by CNN. The enduring legacies of Rosalynn Carter and her husband Jimmy are also a reminder that times have changed a great deal since the Carters embraced true populism in the White House. The Carters nurtured an establishment-critical stance touching on issues related to anti-war protests, civil rights, and other issues — actions that no administration has quite embodied since. In this challenging historic moment, Rosalynn Carter's life's work shows just how far today's institutions have to go to rebuild trust with the American people.

Predictions