Rosanna Carter

Rosalynn Smith Carter (August 15, 1927 – November 19, 2023) was an American humanitarian and former First Lady of the United States, serving alongside her husband Jimmy Carter from 1977 to 1981. Born in Plains, Georgia, she met Jimmy Carter in childhood and they married in 1946. As First Lady, Rosalynn Carter championed numerous causes including mental health advocacy, for which she became a vocal and visible advocate—a revolutionary stance at the time. She traveled extensively on behalf of the Carter administration, visiting over 75 countries and earning the informal title of 'Steel Magnolia.' After leaving the White House, she and Jimmy Carter became iconic for their decades of humanitarian work with Habitat for Humanity, building homes for those in need well into their 90s. She authored ten books, including her memoir 'First Lady from Plains.' Her legacy extends beyond her time as First Lady; she fundamentally changed expectations of the role by being an active policy advisor and tireless advocate for social causes. Rosalynn Carter's dedication to service and compassion made her one of the most respected First Ladies in American history.