Rosalynn Carter: Leaders, philanthropists and celebrities react to US first lady's death

The former first lady has died at the age of 96

Former first lady Rosalynn Carter speaks next to her husband Jimmy Carter, during the opening ceremony for the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project in August 2018. AP

Condolences have poured in from across the country following the death of former US first lady Rosalynn Carter, wife of former president Jimmy Carter.

Ms Carter died on Sunday after being placed in hospice care alongside her husband. She was 96.

“First lady Rosalynn Carter walked her own path, inspiring a nation and the world along the way,” said US President Joe Biden.

“On behalf a grateful nation, we send our love to the entire Carter family and the countless people whose lives are better, fuller and brighter because of Rosalynn Carter.”

The current first lady, Jill Biden, expressed her condolences to the Carter family on X, formerly Twitter: “My love is with the entire Carter family, as they, and we, grieve our dearest Rosalynn.”

Another former first lady Michelle Obama spoke of Ms Carter as an inspiration: “Guided by her abiding faith and her commitment to service, Mrs Carter used her platform in profoundly meaningful ways. Her groundbreaking work to combat the stigma faced by those struggling with their mental health brought light to so many suffering in silence.

“She advocated for better care for the elderly. She advanced women’s rights. And she remained a champion for those causes – and many others like building affordable housing for those in need and caring for our nation’s caregivers – in the more than four decades that followed.”

Donald Trump and his wife Melania expressed their sorrow over the loss of the former first lady.

“Melania and I join all Americans in mourning the loss of Rosalynn Carter,” Mr Trump posted on his Truth Social media platform. “She was a devoted first lady, a great humanitarian, a champion for mental health and a beloved wife to her husband for 77 years, President Carter.

“Over a life spanning nearly a century, Rosalynn Carter earned the admiration and gratitude of our entire nation."

Outside Washington, organisations that benefited from the Carters' work also sent their condolences.

The Alzheimer's Association praised the former first lady for creating the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers and working “to improve the lives of family caregivers”, the association wrote on X.

“She leaves behind a legacy of inspiring action and change.”

Equal Means Equal, a national non-profit that advocates the Equal Rights Amendment, said it was heart-broken by the death of the former first lady, whom it called a warrior for equality and who “fought hard” for a level playing field for women.

Martin Luther King III, son of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr, also issued a statement, saying: “I hold the Carter family in our thoughts and prayers as they mourn the loss of a mother, grandmother and former first lady Rosalynn Carter. Truly a life well lived and a beautiful legacy. May her life continue to inspire us. Rest easy on the wings of eternity.”

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the World Health Organisation, said in a post on X he was saddened by the former first lady’s passing.

“My deepest condolences to the Carter family and the American people,” he said. “The first lady was an outstanding champion for health and equity. Her legacy must not be forgotten.”

And philanthropist Melinda French Gates, also in a tribute on X, called the former first lady “an extraordinary woman” who left the world a better place and addressed mental health at a time when few public figures did.

“Rosalynn refused to let stigma be an excuse for silence. She took up the cause with courage and compassion,” she said. “I am grateful that I got to know her and for the legacy she leaves behind.”

The first lady's mark was felt even in Hollywood, with famous singer and actress Barbra Streisand calling the Carters an “amazing couple”.

“How many marriages last 77 years?”

The former first lady is survived by her husband, Mr Carter, their four children and 22 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.