Age is a privilege not all are blessed to receive, but this doesn't mean it's easy. On Tuesday, May 30, 2023, the Carter Center announced that former first lady Rosalynn Carter had been diagnosed with dementia at age 95. She will continue to live at her home in Plains, Georgia, with husband Jimmy Carter. In February of this year, it was announced that Jimmy would be receiving hospice care at home.
Jimmy and Rosalynn have been married for 76 years. They first met because Rosalynn was friends with Jimmy’s sister Ruth, but they didn't romantically connect until later. They share four children and 22 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“The Carter family is sharing that former First Lady Rosalynn Carter has dementia. She continues to live happily at home with her husband, enjoying spring in Plains and visits with loved ones,” the statement begins.
The statement goes on to celebrate Rosalynn’s life work surrounding mental health treatments. She worked hard for “improved access to care and decreased stigma.” The statement then reminds those readers about the high rate of dementia in older adults.
“One in 10 older Americans have dementia, a condition that affects overall mental health. We recognize, as she did more than half a century ago, that stigma is often a barrier that keeps individuals and their families from seeking and getting much-needed support. We hope sharing our family's news will increase important conversations at kitchen tables and in doctor’s offices around the country,” it explains. Rosalynn’s family is continuing her legacy.
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The statement culminates by recognizing the caregivers of the world. It is a difficult but beautiful role that is a privilege to carry out. “The universality of caregiving is clear in our family, and we are experiencing the joy and the challenges of this journey. We do not expect to comment further and ask for understanding for our family and for everyone across the country serving in a caregiver role,” it concludes.
