Tributes
We invite you to browse below to read notable tributes in memory of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter.
Joe Biden, President of the United States
First Lady Rosalynn Carter walked her own path, inspiring a nation and the world along the way. 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.
Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States
First Lady Rosalynn Carter lived a life of service, faith, compassion, and unmatched moral leadership. During her time in the White House, Rosalynn Carter redefined the role of First Lady. Through her courageous advocacy, Mrs. Carter helped bring the issue of mental health out from the shadows into the national spotlight and served as a champion for America’s caregivers. On her trips abroad, Mrs. Carter worked to advance human rights and human dignity. ... Read more »
Jill Biden, First Lady of the United States
First Lady Rosalynn Carter walked her own path, inspiring a nation and the world along the way. My love is with the entire Carter family, as they, and we, grieve our dearest Rosalynn.
Barack Obama, Former President
Rosalynn Carter’s life is a reminder that no matter who we are, our legacies are best measured not in awards or accolades, but in the lives we touch. We send our thoughts and prayers to Jimmy and the entire Carter family during this difficult time.
Michelle Obama, Former First Lady
You learn very quickly that there is no handbook or rules to being First Lady. Technically, it’s not even an official position. And while there are spoken and unspoken expectations that provide some structure, the role is largely shaped by the passions and aspirations of the person holding it. First Lady Rosalynn Carter understood that well. ... Read more »
Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton, Former President and First Lady
Rosalynn Carter was a compassionate and committed champion of human dignity everywhere. Throughout her long, remarkable life, she was an unvavering voice for the overlooked and underrepresented. Thanks to her mental health advocacy, more people live with better care and less stigma. Because of her early leadership on childhood immunization, millions of Americans have grown up healthier. And through her decades of work at The Carter Center and with Habitat for Humanity, she spread hope, health, and democracy across the globe. ... Read more »
George W. Bush and Laura Bush, Former President and First Lady
We are saddened by the passing of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. She was a woman of dignity and strength. There was no greater advocate of President Carter, and their partnership set a wonderful example of loyalty and fidelity. She leaves behind an important legacy in her work to destigmatize mental health. We join our fellow citizens in sending our condolences to President Carter and their family.
Donald Trump, Former President
From her days as a U.S. Navy spouse, to the Georgia Governor’s Mansion, to her tenure as First Lady of the United States, and her later work at the Carter Center and volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, she leaves behind a legacy of extraordinary accomplishment and national service.
Melania Trump, Former First Lady
Rosalynn Carter leaves behind a meaningful legacy not only as First Lady but as a wife and mother. We will always remember her servant’s heart and devotion to her husband, family, and country. May she rest in peace.
Al Gore, Former Vice President
Rosalynn Carter was a remarkable leader. Unwavering in her partnership with her husband, Jimmy, she built upon the work they did together by championing the causes of mental health, human rights, and the needs of children around the world. I was blessed to have been able to work alongside her on a number of issues and still fondly remember building homes together for Habitat for Humanity. My prayers are with the Carter family during this difficult time. May she rest in peace.
Mike Pence, Former Vice President
Her grace and devotion to her family and our country will continue to inspire generations. God Bless Rosalynn Carter.
Brian Kemp, Governor of Georgia
[Mrs. Carter] had an indelible impact on our state and nation as a First Lady to both. Working alongside her husband, she championed mental health services and promoted the state she loved across the globe. Their marriage, spanning 77 years, stands as a testament to their enduring partnership. Like that marriage, her achievements will stand the test of time and continue to be celebrated by those who knew her best. Read more »
Rev. Raphael Warnock, U.S. Senator, Georgia
Today, we remember a mother and a grandmother, a friend, a champion, and a woman who made a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals. I pray for strength and comfort for President Carter, and all those across our globe who knew and loved Rosalynn Carter.
Jon Ossoff, U.S. Senator, Georgia
I extend my deepest condolences to President Carter, Jack, Chip, Jeff, Amy, and the entire Carter family on their loss. A former First Lady of Georgia and the United States, Rosalynn’s lifetime of work and her dedication for public service changed the lives of many. ... Read more »
Mike Johnson, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
Kelly and I are saddened to hear of the passing of First Lady Rosalynn Carter. She and President Carter were an outstanding example of love and devotion to one another, and to others through their years of public service and extraordinary charitable works. President Carter and the Carter family are in our prayers today.
Nancy Pelosi, Former Speaker of the House
Today, we mourn the loss of First Lady Rosalynn Carter, a devoted wife and public servant revered for her compassion and for the transformational change she brought to mental wellness and to caregiving, inspiring people around the world to work towards a better future for all. Our prayers and love are with President Carter, their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. May she rest in peace.
Chuck Schumer, Senate Majority Leader
First Lady Rosalynn Carter dedicated her life to serving others. America has lost a passionate humanitarian and champion for people all over the world. My heart goes out to her entire family.
Bernie Sanders, U.S. Senator, Vermont
Rosalynn Carter was a wonderful First Lady. She was warm, caring and extremely down to earth. She will be missed. Jane and I send our condolences to President Carter and the entire family.
Cory Booker, U.S. Senator, New Jersey
All her life Rosalynn Carter dedicated herself to serving others. As First Lady she served our country with grace and kindness. My heart is with her love of over 75 years, President Carter and their family today.
Ted Cruz, U.S. Senator, Texas
Heidi and I mourn the loss of an extraordinary American, First Lady Rosalynn Carter. President Carter and his family remain in our prayers as they grieve this tremendous loss. Rosalynn was known for her incredible generosity and kindness to everyone who crossed her path. May she rest in peace.
Amy Klobuchar, U.S. Senator, Minnesota
Guided by their faith, the Carters were selflessly dedicated to improving the lives of others through their public service and important humanitarian work. Rosalynn will be missed by all of us.
Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers (RCI)
The world knows Rosalynn Carter as a former First Lady, global humanitarian, and the love of President Carter’s life. What is less well known is Mrs. Carter’s commitment to create a more caring society by recognizing and supporting some of the most vulnerable populations. She was dedicated to families navigating the burdens and rewards of caring for those who are aging, ill, or disabled. ... Read more »
Melinda French Gates, Philanthropist
Today, we lost Rosalynn Carter, one of my heroes. Through her activism, her advocacy, her leadership of The Carter Center, and her lifetime of public service, she left our world better for having walked on it. ... Read more »
Bernice King, CEO of the King Center
The King Center and King family mourn the loss of former First Lady, Rosalynn Carter, a remarkable woman. Mrs. Carter was a powerful and strong force in President Carter's life and was often his most ardent advisor on many of the issues facing our nation during and after his presidency. ... Read more »
Stacey Abrams, Politician, Author
With every moment, Rosalynn Carter showed the world the resilience of the human spirit. We thank her for serving the least of these + for giving mental health a voice in a damning silence. My deepest condolences to President Carter and their family during this time of mourning.
Eric Holder, Former U.S. Attorney General
Rosalynn Carter was a great partner to a consequential President and helped to define the modern role of First Lady. She was gracious, warm - and determined. My thoughts are with the entire Carter family and especially with the President.
U.S. Secret Service
Farewell, Mrs. Carter. Your compassion, diplomacy and penchant to make society better for those less fortunate was an inspiration for an entire generation. It has been our honor to protect and serve you for all of these years. You were truly a treasure for our nation and our Secret Service family.
Maranatha Baptist Church (Plains, Georgia), Church Home of the Carters
We have few words to express our deep grief at the loss of our dear friend and fellow congregant at Maranatha Baptist Church, former First Lady of the United States Rosalynn Carter. Mrs. Carter, along with her husband, former President of the United States Jimmy Carter, have served as active members of the Maranatha Baptist Church congregation since leaving The White House in Washington, D.C. to return to their home in Plains in 1981. ... Read more »
The Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are deeply saddened by the passing of humanitarian and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. Our thoughts and prayers are with President Carter and the entire Carter family.
Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the United States
I am deeply saddened by the passing of First Lady Rosalynn Carter. Mrs. Carter was a great humanitarian, dedicated to public service. Together, with President Carter, she helped improve millions of lives around the world. For more than 30 years, the UAE has been honored to support the Carters’ legacy through an initiative to eradicate neglected tropical diseases across Africa and Asia.
Carol Spahn, Director, U.S. Peace Corps
Rosalynn Carter embodied the ideals of the Peace Corps as she dedicated her life to lifting others up, advocating for the rights & dignity of all, & tirelessly working to build a better world. Let's aspire to honor & live up to her legacy.
Maria Shriver, Journalist
Rosalynn Carter served her country with strength and grace. She was someone I got to work alongside of, and someone I deeply respected. Thank you, Mrs. Carter for everything you did, for the way you used your voice, for the love you exuded. My deepest condoles to the love of her life, former President Jimmy Carter, and to their entire family. ❤️
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum
Rest in peace Rosalynn Carter, former First Lady, lifetime activist and humanitarian. The Carters and the Fords may have been briefly political rivals, but they became longtime friends. Our thoughts are with her family in this time of great loss.
Barbara Bush Foundation
Rosalynn Carter embodied the values of kindness and understanding as a first lady and public servant. In the wake of her passing, our hearts are with Mrs. Carter's family and all those who were close to her.
Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum
We mourn the loss of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, who passed away today at the age of 96. Mrs. Carter's legacy will endure through her unwavering dedication to humanitarian causes & passionate advocacy for mental health. ... Read more »
Richard Nixon Library
We were deeply saddened to learn of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter's passing. She was a champion for mental health advocacy, women's rights, and the disadvantaged. With grace and strength, she was a light in the world. She will be greatly missed.
Johnathan Reckford, CEO, Habitat for Humanity International
We grieve the loss of Mrs. Carter and our prayers are with President Carter and their family. Mrs. Carter has helped change the lives of thousands of homeowners, empowered countless women and inspired millions of people. ... Read more »
Mental Health America
MHA expresses deep sympathy to the family of Rosalynn Carter and remembers the former first lady as a tireless and passionate mental health advocate. Mrs. Carter spent decades working to improve the lives of those living with mental health conditions.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
As we reflect on the life and legacy of mental health champion First Lady Rosalynn Carter, we are thankful for her years of advocacy for people living with mental illness.
CDC Foundation
Today we remember Rosalynn Carter, a pioneer for mental health who advanced awareness and access to resources through the Carter Center. Her life's work, to help those in need, lives on in public health.
Family Caregiver Alliance
FCA mourns the passing of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. Mrs. Carter was an early and strong advocate for unpaid family caregivers, decades before it was recognized as a key issue in health and social services.
NACHC (National Association of Community Health Centers)
We reflect with gratitude on the legacy of First Lady, Rosalynn Carter, who boldly engaged in the national conversation on mental health and served as chair of the first Presidential Commission on Mental Health.
Derrick Johnson, President and CEO, NAACP
First Lady Rosalynn Carter was a remarkable woman whose dedication to service left an indelible mark on our country. We mourn the loss of a tireless advocate.
Dr. Sandy Chung, President, American Academy of Pediatrics
We mourn the loss and celebrate the life and many contributions of first lady Rosalynn Carter, whose work to promote vaccinations and mental health care improved the health, safety and well-being of all children…We are grateful for the opportunity to work with her on these issues and her lifelong commitment to children’s health.
Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister of Japan
I was deeply saddened to hear the passing of Mrs. Rosalynn Carter. Her accomplishments in the promotion of women’s rights, offering housing to those in need, and the field of mental health cannot be understated. I extend my deep condolences to you and your family as well as the U.S. government and the American people.