ATLANTA — Tributes continue pouring in from leaders as they reflect on the life of former First lady Rosalynn Carter.
Many of the sentiments praised Carter, who died Nov. 19 at age 96, for her role in shaping mental health care during her lifetime, in which she spent the latter 77 years married to Jimmy Carter, the 39th U.S. president and 76th Georgia governor.
“As a proud Georgia native, she had an incredible impact on our state and nation as First Lady to both. Working alongside her husband, she championed mental health services and promoted the state she loved across the globe,” Gov. Brian Kemp said. “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.”
Georgia House Democrats, in a statement, called Rosalynn Carter a “true champion of mental health” and an “esteemed advisor, advocate, and equal partner” to her husband.
“Georgia House Democrats honor her unwavering dedication to improving mental health care and ensuring the well-being of all Georgians,” the statement said.
Lt. Gov. Burt Jones said the world lost a “wonderful person.”
“Her commitment to others, philanthropy and all Georgians is truly remarkable. The love [she] and President Carter shared is once in a lifetime,” Jones said.
Jimmy Carter, 99, has been in hospice care since February, and Rosalynn Carter had just entered hospice care two days before her death. The two lived most of their lives in Plains, Ga. where they met as children.
According to reports, Rosalynn Carter developed interest in mental health advocacy during her husband’s campaigns as a member of the Democratic Party.
In 1975, she visited Thomasville to establish one of the first regional mental health centers.
“The time I spent with Rosalynn in Thomasville was special,” said Dorothy Padgett, former assistant chief of protocol for the Carter Administration. “It is a reminder of the dedication and passion she had in her work with mental illness.”
“I watched her transform from a shy person from Plains, Ga. to a poised, dignified personality that could speak to anyone at any time on any subject,” Padgett said.
In 1982, the Carters established the The Carter Center in Atlanta, a nonprofit with a mission of preventing and resolving conflicts, enhancing freedom and democracy, and improving health.
Andrea Young, executive director of the ACLU of Georgia, called Rosalynn Carter a champion for human rights.
“Especially for woman and children and people experiencing mental illness,” Young said. “Her life and example are an inspiration.”
The Georgia GOP in a statement called Rosalynn Carter a “passionate champion of mental health and caregivers.”
“She dedicated her long life to serving others through her work to reform our mental health system, her advocacy for caregivers, and her commitment to Habitat for Humanity,” Georgia Senate Republicans said in a statement. “Her strong faith, her compassion for others, and her love for her husband and family will be an inspiration for generations to come.”
Former Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams said Rosalynn Carter showed the world the resilience of the human spirit.
“We thank her for serving the least of these (and) for giving mental health a voice in a damning silence,” Abrams said.
While Rosalynn Carter was mostly recognized for mental health advocacy, Georgia Department of Public Health Commissioner Kathleen E. Toomey also credited her for helping to shape public health overall.
“Mrs. Carter was a dedicated champion of public health working to ensure that children in Georgia and across the country were immunized and protected against preventable diseases,” said Toomey. “Because of her support of vaccinations, generations of children have grown up never experiencing diseases such as measles, or chickenpox or whooping cough.
Toomey continued: “For this, and for her tireless work to address mental health and homelessness which impact aspects of public health every day, we offer our profound thanks and gratitude.”
Tributes to Rosalynn Carter continued from leaders across the country.
“First Lady Rosalynn Carter dedicated her life to service — particularly as a mental health advocate,” Alabama U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville said. “Much of her work shapes how we address today’s mental health crisis.”
Alabama U.S. Sen. Katie Britt said Rosalynn Carter lived an “incredible life that was wholeheartedly devoted to serving others.”
“She leaves behind a legacy of grace, grit, and goodwill,” Britt said.