The nation was touched when 99-year-old Jimmy Carter undertook a two-hour journey from his hospice care to bid farewell to his late wife, Rosalynn, who, earlier this month, passed away at the age of 96. The Carter Center announced Rosalynn's death just two days after she entered hospice care at their home in Plains, Georgia. Her legacy, marked by advocacy for mental health and compassionate service, lives on. According to The Independent, Jimmy Carter traveled 120 miles for a two-hour journey to attend the tribute service at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church in honor of Rosalynn's life. The service, held in Atlanta with numerous Carter family members present, including former President Jimmy Carter, paid homage to Rosalynn's contributions. Earlier this year, The Carter Center had revealed that the former president, opting for hospice care at home, decided against further medical treatment after a series of brief hospital stays.
As Jimmy Carter is currently unable to speak, his 56-year-old daughter, Amy Carter, read a letter written by her father to her mother 75 years ago during his Navy service. The letter expressed, "My dearest, every time I've been separated from you, the joy of returning has revealed anew your incredible qualities. In my absence, I attempted to convince myself that you couldn't be as sweet and beautiful as I remember.
"Yet, upon seeing you, I find myself falling in love with you all over again. Does that seem peculiar to you? It doesn't to me. Farewell, my darling. Until tomorrow, Jimmy."
Amy, in her eulogy, shared, "Throughout her life, my mom remained deeply in love with my dad. Their partnership and love story defined her existence. Since he is unable to address you today, I will relay some of his sentiments about love and longing." Jimmy and Rosalynn shared a marital bond for 77 years until her passing.
During the eulogies, Amy held her father's hand, while other family members, including James, her brother, spoke to those present. James described his mother, Rosalynn Carter, as the most beautiful woman he had ever met, adding, "She saved my life," referring to his struggles with substance abuse.
Jason Carter, the grandson of Jimmy and Rosalynn, remarked, "My grandmother doesn't need a eulogy; her life was a sermon."
The tribute service was a mix of laughter and tears, as attendees came together to celebrate the life of the former First Lady.
Among the distinguished guests were former First Ladies Melania Trump and Michelle Obama, who entered together and took seats in the front row. The gathering also included former First Ladies Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton, along with Bill Clinton, current First Lady Jill Biden, and President Joe Biden.
After witnessing Jimmy Carter's presence at the service, people took to social media, specifically X (formerly known as Twitter), to express admiration for the couple's enduring love and commitment.
"President Jimmy Carter attended his wife, First Lady Rosalynn Carter’s tribute service today wrapped in a commemorative blanket with her face on it and chose the hymn 'Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.' An incredible human. Sending him love always," wrote one person.
President Jimmy Carter, 99 years old, and in hospice care for nearly 10 months, traveled to Atlanta from Plains and made it to wife Rosalynn's funeral. That's how a real life love story ends. Respect. pic.twitter.com/lPu4dt3J52
— James L. Neibaur (@JimLNeibaur) November 28, 2023
President Jimmy Carter attended his wife First Lady Rosalynn Carter’s tribute service today wrapped in a commemorative blanket with her face on it and chose the hymn “Let their be peace on earth and let it begin with me.” An incredible human. Sending him love always. 💙🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/cVSx0OS78y
— Ricky Davila (@TheRickyDavila) November 29, 2023
Another individual remarked, "President Jimmy Carter, at 99 years old and in hospice care for nearly 10 months, journeyed from Plains to Atlanta to attend his wife Rosalynn's funeral. That's how a genuine love story concludes. Respect."
After the passing of Rosalynn Carter, The Carter Center issued a statement honoring his late wife. "Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished," he stated. "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."
Our condolences go out to Carter's family and those close to him during this difficult time.
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