Former first lady Rosalynn Carter died on November 19, 2023, at age 96. In late November, she was remembered in a series of events. This culminated in a private funeral and burial at the Carter Home and Garden, which is part of the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park in Plains, Georgia.
On Tuesday, November 29, 2023, an invite-only memorial service was held at Emory University's Glenn Memorial Church in Atlanta. Former President Jimmy Carter, age 99, attended wrapped in a blanket with both his and Rosalynn’s picture on it. She was with him in spirit during this difficult time of goodbyes.
The blanket had a portrait of the adorable couple, labeled "The Carters." The blanket also featured images of Plains, Georgia, the couple’s hometown where they met. Rosalynn and Jimmy first met when she was just a newborn baby and he was 3 years old.
While Jimmy and Rosalynn knew each other from a young age, sparks would not fly until Jimmy donned a Navy uniform. Jimmy asked Rosalynn out on a date when home on summer break from the Naval Academy. He knew she was special right away, telling his mom the morning after their date that this was the woman he was going to marry.
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Jimmy and Rosalynn were married for 77 years. They shared four children and 22 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jimmy issued a moving statement at the time of Rosalynn’s death.
“Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished,” he gushed. “She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me.”
Jimmy was not the only former president in attendance at the memorial service. He was joined by current President Joe Biden, former President Bill Clinton, Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff. Every living former first lady also attended.
Rosalynn was remembered in a series of events that began on November 18, 2023. A wreath was laid at Georgia Southwestern State University's Rosalynn Carter Health and Human Sciences Complex. Her casket was then taken via motorcade on a farewell tour eventually ending at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta, where the public could pay their respects.
Rosalynn was buried on November 29, 2023. This followed a private official funeral for friends and family at Maranatha Baptist Church, in Plains, Georgia. Rosalynn will forever be remembered for her down-to-earth personality and dedication to serving others.
