:Rosalynn Carter

File:Photograph of Rosalynn Carter at about Age 17.gif

Eleanor Rosalynn Smith was born on August 18, 1927, in Plains, Georgia.{{Cite news |date=November 19, 2023 |title=A timeline of key moments from former first lady Rosalynn Carter's 96 years |url=https://apnews.com/article/rosalynn-carter-dead-7b208f1b51fe0efd4fe8cf0ac0592fea |access-date=November 20, 2023 |work=Associated Press News |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120000723/https://apnews.com/article/rosalynn-carter-dead-7b208f1b51fe0efd4fe8cf0ac0592fea |url-status=live }} She was the eldest of four children of Wilburn Edgar Smith, an auto mechanic, bus driver, and farmer, and Frances Allethea "Allie" Murray Smith, a teacher, dressmaker, and postal worker. Her brothers were William Jerrold "Jerry" Smith (1929–2003), an engineer, and Murray Lee Smith (1932–2003), a teacher and minister. Her sister, Lillian Allethea (Smith) Wall (born 1936), known as Allethea, named for her mother and for Lillian Gordy Carter (the Smith and Carter families being friends), is a real estate broker. Rosalynn was named after Rosa Wise Murray, her maternal grandmother.Carter, Rosalynn (1984), p. 3. Smith's grand-uncle W.S. Wise was one of the American Brazilians known as Confederados who emigrated from the United States to the Brazilian Empire after the American Civil War.{{cite news |last1=Kerry Luft & Staff |title=In Brazil, a Touch of Johhny Reb |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1995-04-30-9504300190-story.html |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=April 30, 1995 |access-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-date=May 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517234915/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1995-04-30-9504300190-story.html |url-status=live }}

Smith's family lived in poverty, although she later said that her siblings and she were unaware of it, because even though their family "didn't have much money [...] neither did anyone else, so as far as we knew, we were well off."{{cite book |last1=Carter |first1=Rosalynn |title=First Lady from Plains |date=1994 |publisher=University of Arkansas Press |isbn=978-1-61075-155-1 |page=4 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7dLECwAAQBAJ&pg=PA4 |access-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120005403/https://books.google.com/books?id=7dLECwAAQBAJ&pg=PA4 |url-status=live }}{{cite book |last1=Wertheimer |first1=Molly |title=Inventing a Voice: The Rhetoric of American First Ladies of the Twentieth Century |date=2004 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |isbn=978-0-7425-2971-7 |page=343 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FBwYLVZHsWMC&pg=PA343 |access-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120005403/https://books.google.com/books?id=FBwYLVZHsWMC&pg=PA343 |url-status=live }} Churches and schools were at the center of her family's community, and the people of Plains were familiar with each other.{{cite news|url=https://huffingtonpost.com/former-first-lady-rosalynn-carter/solving-the-mental-health_b_561747.html|title=Rosalynn Carter: Solving the Mental Crisis for Our Children|work=HuffPost|first=Rosalynn|last=Carter|date=May 6, 2010|access-date=December 7, 2019|archive-date=September 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921190134/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/former-first-lady-rosalynn-carter/solving-the-mental-health_b_561747.html|url-status=live}} Smith played with the boys during her early childhood, since no girls on her street were her age. She drew buildings and was interested in airplanes, which led her to believe that she would someday become an architect.{{cite news|url=http://www.atlantamagazine.com/features/whereimfrom/Story.aspx?ID=1658616|title=Where I'm From|publisher=Atlanta|date=February 1, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421052530/http://www.atlantamagazine.com/features/whereimfrom/Story.aspx?ID=1658616|archive-date=April 21, 2014}}

Rosalynn's father died of leukemia in 1940, when she was 13. She called the loss of her father the conclusion of her childhood.Carter, Rosalynn (1984), p. 17. Thereafter, she helped her mother raise her younger siblings, and assisted in the dressmaking business to meet the family's financial obligations. Rosalynn would credit her mother with inspiring her own independence and said that she learned from her mother that "you can do what you have to do".{{cite news|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2002-11-06/features/0211060029_1_president-jimmy-carter-mrs-carter-rosalynn-carter-institute|title=Rosalynn Carter at peace with her work and herself|first=Michele|last=Weldon|work=Chicago Tribune|date=November 6, 2002|access-date=November 13, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113113234/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2002-11-06/features/0211060029_1_president-jimmy-carter-mrs-carter-rosalynn-carter-institute|url-status=dead}} At Plains High School, Rosalynn worked hard to achieve her father's dream of seeing her go to college.Godbold, p. 44. Rosalynn graduated as valedictorian of Plains High School. Soon after, she attended Georgia Southwestern College and graduated in 1946.{{cite web |url=https://www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov/about_us/biography_of_rosalynn_carter |title=Biography of Rosalynn Carter |publisher=Jimmy Carter Library and Museum|access-date=July 7, 2022 |archive-date=August 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809114228/https://www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov/about_us/biography_of_rosalynn_carter |url-status=live }} During her time in college, Rosalynn served as vice president of her class and was a founding member of her school's Young Democrats, Campus Marshal, and Tumbling Clubs.{{cite news|url=https://www.gsw.edu/alumni/_files/rosalynn-carter-at-gsw.pdf|title=Rosalynn Carter at GSW|publisher=gsw.edu|accessdate=November 27, 2023|archive-date=November 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129170752/https://www.gsw.edu/alumni/_files/rosalynn-carter-at-gsw.pdf|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.11alive.com/article/news/politics/jimmy-carter/rosalynn-carter-georgia-southwestern-state-university-alma-mater-campus-buildings/85-d5a6696e-1f8a-47a6-91e7-8a8b2accf676|title='Never did I dream they would bear my name' – Namesake buildings honor Rosalynn Carter's history at alma mater|first1=Christie|last1=Diez|publisher=11Alive|date=November 27, 2023|accessdate=November 27, 2023}} She graduated with a junior college diploma.

Rosalynn first dated Jimmy Carter in 1945 while he was attending the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis.{{Cite web |date=November 20, 2023 |title=Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter: A love story for the ages |url=https://www.ktvq.com/jimmy-and-rosalynn-carter-a-love-story-for-the-ages |access-date=November 20, 2023 |website=Q2 News (KTVQ) |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120211649/https://www.ktvq.com/jimmy-and-rosalynn-carter-a-love-story-for-the-ages |url-status=live }} Rosalynn agreed to marry Jimmy in February 1946, when she went to Annapolis with his parents. The two scheduled their marriage to take place in July and kept the arrangement secret. Rosalynn was hesitant to tell her mother she had chosen to marry instead of continuing her education. On July 7, 1946, they married in Plains. Their marriage caused Rosalynn to cancel her plans to attend Georgia State College for Women, where she had planned to study interior design. The couple had four children: John William "Jack" (b. 1947), James Earl "Chip" III (b. 1950), Donnel Jeffrey "Jeff" (b. 1952), and Amy Lynn (b. 1967).{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/politics/jimmy-carter-rosalynn-carter-relationship-timeline/|title=Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter's Relationship Timeline|last=Sager|first=Jessica|date=November 17, 2023|access-date=November 19, 2023|magazine=People|archive-date=November 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119095334/https://people.com/politics/jimmy-carter-rosalynn-carter-relationship-timeline/|url-status=live}}

File:Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter1965.jpg, in 1965]]

After helping her husband win the governorship of Georgia in 1970, Rosalynn decided to focus her attention mainly in the field of mental health when she was that state's first lady.Lindsay, p. 229. She was appointed to the Governor's Commission to Improve Services for the Mentally and Emotionally Handicapped. Many of the commission's recommendations were approved and became law. In August 1971, Carter engaged in a statewide tour of mental-health facilities across Georgia.{{cite news |last=Curry |first=Nan |date=August 13, 1971 |title=First Lady lauds Battey progress on mental aid |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=BJbdYPG6LGMC&dat=19710813&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |work=Rome News-Tribune |access-date=October 31, 2017 |archive-date=March 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317013555/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=BJbdYPG6LGMC&dat=19710813&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |url-status=live}} She described her efforts on behalf of mentally disabled children as her proudest achievement as First Lady of Georgia.Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/M9zirBDk1zo Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20140421061926/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9zirBDk1zo Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web |author=PsychiatryLectures |date=September 25, 2011 |title=Rosalynn Carter on mental health policy 1982 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9zirBDk1zo |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}

Carter also served as a volunteer at the Georgia Regional Hospital at Atlanta, and for four years was honorary chairperson for the Georgia Special Olympics.Rosalynn Carter, First Lady from Plains, Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, 1984: pp. 74–111

Her work in addressing social issues made her "virtually revered in professional health-care circles." Her activities included entertaining as many as 750 people a week for dinner at the Governor's Mansion.Godbold, pp. 216–217 Governor Carter once claimed that he had supported the Equal Rights Amendment, while his wife was opposed to the measure; the First Lady privately confronted him upon hearing news of the claim,{{cite book |last=Balmer |first=Randall |year=2014 |title=Redeemer: The Life of Jimmy Carter |pages=[https://archive.org/details/redeemerlifeofji0000balm/page/94 94–95] |isbn=978-0465029587 |publisher=Basic Books |url=https://archive.org/details/redeemerlifeofji0000balm/page/94}} and Carter corrected himself by later announcing to the press, "I thought I knew what Rosalynn thought, but I was wrong."

{{main|Jimmy Carter 1976 presidential campaign}}

When her husband's gubernatorial term ended in January 1975, Rosalynn, Jimmy, and Amy Carter returned to Plains. Jimmy had already announced his plans to run for president of the United States. Rosalynn got back on the campaign trail, this time on a national quest to gather support for her husband. She campaigned alone on his behalf in 41 states. Because of her husband's obscurity at the time, she often had to answer the question, "Jimmy who?" She promoted the establishment of additional daycare facilities and adjustments to "Social Security and so many other things to help the elderly."{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/03/26/archives/mrs-carter-carries-campaign-to-harlem.html|title=Mrs. Carter Carries Campaign to Harlem|date=March 26, 1976|work=The New York Times|access-date=December 29, 2017|archive-date=December 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212084741/http://www.nytimes.com/1976/03/26/archives/mrs-carter-carries-campaign-to-harlem.html|url-status=live}}

During the months when she was campaigning across the country, she was elected to the board of directors of the National Association of Mental Health, honored by the National Organization for Women with an Award of Merit for her vigorous support for the Equal Rights Amendment, and received the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Southwestern Association of Volunteer Services.{{cite web|url=https://jimmycarter.info/president-mrs-carter/rosalynn-carter-quick-facts-bio|title=Rosalynn Carter Quick Facts|website=Jimmy Carter info|date=March 23, 2016 |access-date=November 19, 2023|archive-date=June 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602020658/https://jimmycarter.info/president-mrs-carter/rosalynn-carter-quick-facts-bio/|url-status=live}}

Rosalynn sat in the balcony at Madison Square Garden with friends and family the night of the nomination, while her husband was with his mother and daughter. She had "butterflies in her stomach" until the Ohio delegation announced its votes were for her husband. Rosalynn wished she could have been with him at that time.Gherman, p. 63. The Carters met with all the potential running mates, and instantly gained affinity for Walter Mondale after meeting with him and his wife Joan.Carter, Jimmy (2010), p. 89. Following the election, the Carters traveled to the White House and met with President Ford and First Lady Betty Ford,{{Cite web|url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/remarks-following-meeting-the-transition-with-president-elect-carter|title=Remarks Following a Meeting on the Transition With President-elect Carter. | The American Presidency Project|website=presidency.ucsb.edu|access-date=November 10, 2020|archive-date=November 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201122120225/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/remarks-following-meeting-the-transition-with-president-elect-carter|url-status=live}} the latter becoming a role model for Rosalynn.{{cite news|url=http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2014/04/former_first_lady_rosalynn_car_2.html|title=Former first lady Rosalynn Carter calls Betty Ford 'a role model,' touts their support for equal rights|first=Andrew|last=Krietz|date=April 8, 2014|publisher=mlive.com|access-date=November 12, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113112946/http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2014/04/former_first_lady_rosalynn_car_2.html|url-status=live}}

Image:Rosalynn, Jimmy, and Amy Carter.gif: Rosalynn, Jimmy, and Amy on the South Lawn of the White House, July 24, 1977]]

When her husband assumed the presidency in January 1977, Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter walked hand-in-hand down Pennsylvania Avenue during his presidential inauguration parade. The gown that she wore to the inaugural balls was the same one that she had worn six years earlier at the Atlanta balls when Jimmy became governor.Rosalynn Carter, First Lady from Plains, Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, 1984: pp. 6, 148

Image:Rosalynn Carter chairs a meeting in Chicago, IL. for the President's Commission on Mental Health. - NARA - 174466.jpg

Carter declared that she had no intention of being a traditional first lady of the United States. During her husband's administration, she supported his public policies, as well as his social and personal life. To remain fully informed, she sat in on Cabinet meetings at the invitation of the President. The first meeting she attended was on February 28, 1977, where she felt comfortable since she was among other officials who were not members. The idea for her to be in attendance came at her husband's suggestion when she started to question him about a news story.Carter, Rosalynn (1984), p. 185.

Carter took notes at the meetings, but never spoke. As she put it, "I was there to be informed so that when I traveled across the country, which I did a great deal, and was questioned by the press and other individuals about all areas of government, I'd know what was going on." When the cultural exchange program Friendship Force International launched at the White House on March 1, 1977, she became honorary chairperson, a position she held until 2002. She joined Lady Bird Johnson and Betty Ford in supporting the unsuccessful campaign for the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) at the Houston conference celebrating the International Women's Year in 1977.Rosalynn Carter, First Lady from Plains, Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, 1984: pp. 143–300

For Christmas 1977, she decorated the White House's Christmas tree with ornaments made from pine cones, peanuts, and egg shells.{{cite news|url=http://www.wjla.com/articles/2013/12/history-of-white-house-christmas-trees-98005.html|title=History of White House Christmas trees|publisher=ABC 7|date=December 25, 2013|first=Scott|last=Meeks|access-date=December 31, 2013|archive-date=January 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101141654/http://www.wjla.com/articles/2013/12/history-of-white-house-christmas-trees-98005.html|url-status=dead}} On July 27, 1978, Carter was the host of "First Lady's Employment Seminar". Between 200 and 300 delegates came and shared information to learn how other communities responded to the problem of unemployment.Gould, p. 389. Carter remembered 1979 and 1980 as years of never-ending crises, the years having "Big ones and small ones, potential disasters and mere annoyances."Marton, p. 239.

During 1978, Carter became involved with an effort to reform D.C. General Hospital after criticizing its appearance,{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1978/02/19/rosalynn-carter-pledges-help-for-district-hospital/d0d7e4eb-f3c9-46a5-a55f-812541957fe1/|title=Rosalynn Carter Pledges Help for District Hospital|first=B.D.|last=Cohen|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=November 13, 2017|archive-date=November 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121234835/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1978/02/19/rosalynn-carter-pledges-help-for-district-hospital/d0d7e4eb-f3c9-46a5-a55f-812541957fe1/|url-status=live}} and traveled to the hospital for reviews of changing conditions as more work was done in remodeling.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1978/10/26/rosalynn-carter-returns/3504c62d-b679-4273-9232-2b823dbd6657/|title=Rosalynn Carter Returns|first=B.D.|last=Colen|date=October 26, 1978|access-date=November 13, 2017|archive-date=November 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121234621/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1978/10/26/rosalynn-carter-returns/3504c62d-b679-4273-9232-2b823dbd6657/|url-status=live}}

File:Waylon Jennings Jessi Colter & Rosalynn Carter.jpg, Jessi Colter, and Carter at a reception preceding a concert to benefit the Carter-Mondale campaign on April 23, 1980]]

Despite finding time to entertain, the Carters never were able to match their immediate predecessors and Carter never considered it a major part of her job as first lady.Lindsay, p. 230.

Criticism came towards her role as first lady by a U.S. diplomat in Brazil, who insisted that women were meant to be kept "at home and that's all". The cultural factor had also caused many to oppose her trip.Gould, p. 387. Critics called her too programmed and disciplined, while others said she lacked admirable qualities of Lady Bird Johnson and Betty Ford.Caroli, p. 275. Despite this, Carter was pleased by her viewed role as a demanding first lady and remembered the times of presidents' wives being "confined" to "official hostess" and other demeaning roles.Caroli, p. 277. In efforts to advance the appearance of the White House, she accumulated American paintings.Watson, p. 57.

After the Carter administration began losing popularity, Carter advised that Gerald Rafshoon be brought on as White House Director of Communications and that key media figures be invited to the White House for "informal, off‐the‐record, deep discussions about issues."{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/06/03/archives/the-importance-of-being-rosalynn-first-lady-on-the-move.html|title=The importance of being Rosalynn|first=B. Drummond Jr.|last=Ayres|date=June 3, 1979|work=The New York Times|access-date=December 29, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113222910/http://www.nytimes.com/1979/06/03/archives/the-importance-of-being-rosalynn-first-lady-on-the-move.html|url-status=live}} Rafshoon was selected{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1978/05/19/archives/new-jersey-pages-carter-selects-rafshoon-to-take-longrange-message.html|title=Carter Selects Rafshoon to Take Long-Range Message to the Public|work=The New York Times|date=May 19, 1978|access-date=December 29, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113221947/http://www.nytimes.com/1978/05/19/archives/new-jersey-pages-carter-selects-rafshoon-to-take-longrange-message.html|url-status=live}} and confirmed for the position.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1978/07/21/archives/inquiry-questions-rafshoon-tie-suggestions-disputed-lobbying-is.html|title=Inquiry Questions Rafshoon Tie|date=July 21, 1978|work=The New York Times|access-date=December 29, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113222624/http://www.nytimes.com/1978/07/21/archives/inquiry-questions-rafshoon-tie-suggestions-disputed-lobbying-is.html|url-status=live}}

In March 1977, Carter gave her first interview since becoming first lady. She outlined her goals in focusing on mental health: "For every person who needs mental-health care to be able to receive it close to his home, and to remove the stigma from mental-health care so people will be free to talk about it and seek help. It's been taboo for so long to admit you had a mental-health problem."{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/03/10/archives/mrs-carter-says-she-tells-the-president-what-i-think.html|title=Mrs. Carter Says She Tells The President 'What I Think'|work=The New York Times|date=March 10, 1977|access-date=December 29, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113222149/http://www.nytimes.com/1977/03/10/archives/mrs-carter-says-she-tells-the-president-what-i-think.html|url-status=live}}

Carter served as an active honorary chair of the President's Commission on Mental Health. On behalf of the Mental Health System Bill enacted in 1980, she testified before a Senate committee, making her the second first lady to appear before the Congress (the first being Eleanor Roosevelt). Of her priorities, mental health was the highest. Working to change the nature of government assistance to the mentally ill, Carter wanted to allow people to be comfortable admitting their disabilities without fear of being called crazy.

After Carter had been first lady for two years, Time called her the "second-most powerful person in the United States." Many times, Carter's husband called her an equal partner. He also said she was a "perfect extension of myself."Wertheimer, p. 145. During a 1977 interview, Carter admitted that she quarreled with him over his policies, but his own decision was what he acted on, and she denied influencing his major decisions.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=860&dat=19771012&id=VHlUAAAAIBAJ&pg=6039,714907|title=Rosalynn says husband is doing a 'great job'|date=October 12, 1977|publisher=Ellensburg Daily Record|access-date=October 3, 2020|archive-date=December 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209133836/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=860&dat=19771012&id=VHlUAAAAIBAJ&pg=6039,714907|url-status=live}} In an interview the following year, Carter stated that she did not publicly disagree with her husband's policies out of a belief that she "would lose all my effectiveness with him", as well as her opinion that the gesture would not assist in changing his perspective to her own.{{Cite web|url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/interview-with-the-president-and-mrs-carter-question-and-answer-session-with-barbara|title=Interview With the President and Mrs. Carter Question-and-Answer Session With Barbara Walters of the American Broadcasting Company. | The American Presidency Project|website=presidency.ucsb.edu|access-date=November 10, 2020|archive-date=December 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208185915/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/interview-with-the-president-and-mrs-carter-question-and-answer-session-with-barbara|url-status=live}} She said that a first lady could influence officials or the public by discussing an issue or giving attention to it.{{cite book|title=The Presidents' Wives: Reassessing the Office of First Lady|url=https://archive.org/details/presidentswivesr00wats|url-access=registration|first=Robert P.|last=Watson|page=[https://archive.org/details/presidentswivesr00wats/page/29 29]|year=2000|isbn=978-1555879488|publisher=Lynne Rienner Publishers}}

Biographer MaryAnne Borrelli wrote that Carter considered her attempts to portray herself as a traditional wife and influencing factor in her husband's administration would be "viewed by some as dependent upon her husband, by others as lacking accountability, and by still others as doing too little—or too much".{{cite book|title=The Politics of the President's Wife|year=2011|page=125|first=MaryAnne|last=Borrelli|publisher=Texas A&M University Press|isbn=978-1603442855}} Years after leaving the White House, Carter would remain bothered by claims that she exerted too much influence on her husband, insisting they had an equal partnership.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2507&dat=19830623&id=hsJAAAAAIBAJ&pg=3237,4904922 |title=Criticism that still hurts Rosalynn Carter |work=The Glasgow Herald |first=Charlotte |last=Curtis |author-link=Charlotte Curtis |date=June 23, 1983 |access-date=October 3, 2020 |archive-date=December 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208151315/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2507&dat=19830623&id=hsJAAAAAIBAJ&pg=3237,4904922 |url-status=live}} Jimmy Carter would later write that the two engaged in discussions on a variety of issues, and she was aware of everything within the administration apart from "a few highly secret and sensitive security matters".{{cite book|title=Sharing Good Times|first=Jimmy|last=Carter|year=2004|author-link=Jimmy Carter|pages=[https://archive.org/details/sharinggoodtimes00cart_0/page/33 33–34]|publisher=Simon & Schuster|isbn=978-0743270335|url=https://archive.org/details/sharinggoodtimes00cart_0/page/33}}

File:Rosalynn Carter, Jimmy Carter and Vice President Walter Mondale at a ceremony welcoming Mrs. Carter back from her... - NARA - 175133.tif

Carter represented her husband in meetings with domestic and foreign leaders, most notably as an envoy to Latin America in 1977.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/05/12/archives/mrs-carter-to-visit-7-countries-in-latin-america-starting-may-30.html|title=Mrs. Carter to Visit 7 Countries In Latin America Starting May 30|newspaper=The New York Times|date=May 12, 1977|access-date=December 29, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113222416/http://www.nytimes.com/1977/05/12/archives/mrs-carter-to-visit-7-countries-in-latin-america-starting-may-30.html|url-status=live}} She purposely scheduled her meetings so as not to have any with the heads of state.Carter, Rosalynn (1984), p. 184. President Carter said that while his wife had initially been met with hesitance as an American representative, "at the conclusion of those meetings, they now rely on her substantially to be sure that I understand the sensitivities of the people". Following the Latin America meetings, David Vidal observed, "Mrs. Carter has achieved a personal and diplomatic success that goes far beyond the modest expectations of both her foreign policy tutors at the State Department and her hosts."{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/06/14/archives/ambassador-rosalynn-carter-first-lady-confounds-the-skeptics-and.html|title=Ambassador Rosalynn Carter|date=June 14, 1977|work=The New York Times|first=David|last=Vidal|access-date=December 29, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113222643/http://www.nytimes.com/1977/06/14/archives/ambassador-rosalynn-carter-first-lady-confounds-the-skeptics-and.html|url-status=live}}

In a June 7, 1977, news conference, Carter stated that her meetings with Brazilian leaders included discussions on human rights and her wishes for Brazil to include itself among other countries seeking a reduction in nuclear weapons via an international study.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/06/08/archives/mrs-carter-keeps-stress-on-rights.html|title=Mrs. Carter Keeps Stress on Rights|date=June 8, 1977|work=The New York Times|access-date=December 29, 2017|archive-date=December 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228054411/http://www.nytimes.com/1977/06/08/archives/mrs-carter-keeps-stress-on-rights.html|url-status=live}} On December 30, 1977, Rosalynn Carter and National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski met with Stefan Wyszyński at the Cardinal's Warsaw residence. President Carter said the meeting was intended to display American "appreciation for the degree of freedom of worship in the country".{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/12/31/archives/new-jersey-pages-mrs-carter-and-brzezinski-hold-discussion-with.html|title=Mrs. Carter and Brzezinski Hold Discussion With Polish Cardinal|date=December 31, 1977|first=David A.|last=Andelman|work=The New York Times|access-date=December 29, 2017|archive-date=December 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212084505/http://www.nytimes.com/1977/12/31/archives/new-jersey-pages-mrs-carter-and-brzezinski-hold-discussion-with.html|url-status=live}}

Carter led the American delegation to the May 1978 inauguration of Rodrigo Carazo Odio as president of Costa Rica.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1978/05/08/archives/mrs-carter-attending-costa-rica-ceremony.html|title=Mrs. Carter Attending Costa Rica Ceremony|work=The New York Times|date=May 8, 1978|access-date=December 29, 2017|archive-date=December 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228054622/http://www.nytimes.com/1978/05/08/archives/mrs-carter-attending-costa-rica-ceremony.html|url-status=live}} In August 1978, she led the American delegation to the funeral of Pope Paul VI in Rome.{{Cite web|url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/death-pope-paul-vi-statement-the-president|title=Death of Pope Paul VI Statement by the President. | The American Presidency Project|website=presidency.ucsb.edu|access-date=November 10, 2020|archive-date=March 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317123321/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/death-pope-paul-vi-statement-the-president|url-status=dead}}

File:Mrs._Jehan_Sadat_and_Mrs._Rosalynn_Carter_in_Cairo,_March_8,_1979_(10729894473).jpg, First Lady of Egypt, in Cairo, March 8, 1979 ]]

She also led a delegation to Thailand in 1979 to address the problems of Cambodian and Laotian refugees.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1979/11/10/mrs-carter-camp-overwhelming/4ed753aa-b6de-45f7-aa6c-c94295d40df0/|title=Mrs. Carter: Camp 'Overwhelming'|first=John|last=Burgess|date=November 10, 1979|access-date=November 13, 2017|archive-date=November 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121234823/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1979/11/10/mrs-carter-camp-overwhelming/4ed753aa-b6de-45f7-aa6c-c94295d40df0/|url-status=live}} She examined camps where Cambodian refugees had fled to avoid the combat between the Vietnamese troops and the government of Pol Pot.Kaufman, p. 122. Helping the refugees, particularly the children, became a special cause for her. She returned to the United States and played a prominent role in expediting an appeal for large assistance after she witnessed their suffering during her visit.Ronayne, p. 77. By this time, however, her husband had met with families of the hostages in Iran. The families were more concerned about what they needed to do to get their loved ones out than they were about whether or not they would ever get out.Carter, Rosalynn (1984), p. 334. Carter stated that she had wanted to return to the U.S. as quickly as possible to mobilize assistance to assuage the refugees' plight.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/11/10/archives/mrs-carter-visits-thai-camp-its-like-nothing-ive-seen-buying-from.html|title=Mrs. Carter Visits Thai Camp: 'It's Like Nothing I've Seen'|first=Henry|last=Kamm|date=November 10, 1979|work=The New York Times|access-date=December 29, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113113050/http://www.nytimes.com/1979/11/10/archives/mrs-carter-visits-thai-camp-its-like-nothing-ive-seen-buying-from.html?_r=0|url-status=live}}

Carter was the first of all the first ladies to keep her own office in the East Wing.{{cite web |url=http://www.firstladies.org/facinatingfacts.aspx |title=Little-known facts about our First Ladies |publisher=Firstladies.org |access-date=July 7, 2015 |archive-date=July 14, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714000059/http://www.firstladies.org/facinatingfacts.aspx |url-status=dead }} She also oversaw her family at the White House. Her daughter, Amy, attracted much public attention. The two youngest sons, Chip and Jeff, and their families also lived in the White House. Other members of the family, including son Jack and his wife and children, were frequent visitors. Carter's Secret Service codename was "Dancer".Walsh, Kenneth T. (2003). "Appendix". Air Force One: A History of the Presidents and Their Planes. Hyperion. p. 227. {{ISBN|1-4013-0004-9}}. In 1977, Carter reported that her family was divided in their reaction to public perception of them, saying her sons were worried about how they would be perceived living there, while she personally thought nothing of it as the public was not financing their residence and she favored the family being together.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1977/03/13/rosalynn-carter-awesome-home/59605bc6-c5da-486c-90e1-6d6e56a3bf34/|title=Rosalynn Carter: 'Awesome' Home|first=Helen|last=Thomas|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=March 13, 1977|access-date=November 12, 2017|archive-date=November 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171122062047/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1977/03/13/rosalynn-carter-awesome-home/59605bc6-c5da-486c-90e1-6d6e56a3bf34/|url-status=live}}

On August 16, 1979, Carter released a statement announcing Edith J. Dobelle had accepted "the newly created position of staff director for the East Wing".{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/08/16/archives/mrs-carter-hires-wife-of-campaign-director.html|title=Mrs. Carter Hires Wife OF Campaign Director|work=The New York Times|date=August 16, 1979|access-date=December 29, 2017|archive-date=December 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212084435/http://www.nytimes.com/1979/08/16/archives/mrs-carter-hires-wife-of-campaign-director.html?_r=0|url-status=live}}

After leaving the White House, Carter reflected of Washington, "I love this city. I loved living here and being so close to the seat of power, being a part of the political system. When you watched television you knew the people involved, you were familiar with both sides of the issues."{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/04/13/us/a-former-first-lady-returns-to-city-she-loves.html|title=A Former First Lady Returns to City She Loves |first=Barbara|last=Gamarekian|date=April 13, 1984|work=The New York Times|access-date=December 29, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113060543/http://www.nytimes.com/1984/04/13/us/a-former-first-lady-returns-to-city-she-loves.html|url-status=live}}

During the 1976 campaign, Carter spoke to feminists about her equal partnership with her husband.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/01/21/archives/mrs-carter-cool-and-intense-on-day-of-triumph-for-her-too.html|title=Mrs. Carter Cool and Intense On Day of Triumph for Her, Too|work=The New York Times|date=January 21, 1977|access-date=December 29, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113165815/http://www.nytimes.com/1977/01/21/archives/mrs-carter-cool-and-intense-on-day-of-triumph-for-her-too.html|url-status=live}} In January 1977, prior to his inauguration, Carter substituted for him in speaking with Senator Birch Bayh over the phone, as the latter wanted President-elect Carter to lobby for support of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) being ratified in Indiana. She persuaded Wayne Townsend to switch his vote and the ERA was approved in an Indiana Senate vote of 26 to 24.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1977/01/19/indiana-ratifies-the-era-with-rosalynn-carters-aid/59d7c58b-9a19-41da-a528-f66f075933be/|title=Indiana Ratifies the ERA – With Rosalynn Carter's Aid|first=Myra|last=MacPherson|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=January 19, 1977|access-date=November 12, 2017|archive-date=November 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171122061526/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1977/01/19/indiana-ratifies-the-era-with-rosalynn-carters-aid/59d7c58b-9a19-41da-a528-f66f075933be/|url-status=live}}

In reference to Carter's role in supporting the ERA, Texas Christian University Associate Professor of Religion Elizabeth Flowers said, "[Rosalynn Carter] wanted to temper down some of the more radical elements of feminism, as she saw it, and challenge what she felt were caricatures of the movement. She wanted to be sure that the struggle for ERA really appealed to mainstream America."{{cite news|url=https://magazine.tcu.edu/spring-2016/rosalynn-carter-southern-feminism/|title=Rosalynn Carter's Southern Feminism|publisher=TCU Magazine|access-date=November 12, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113112855/https://magazine.tcu.edu/spring-2016/rosalynn-carter-southern-feminism/|url-status=live}}

During the 1976 election cycle, journalists dubbed Carter the "steel magnolia" for having a fragile and feminine appearance that concealed a "tough as nails" interior.{{Cite web|url=http://www.classroomhelp.com/lessons/FirstLadies/RCarter.html|title=First Ladies: Rosalynn Carter|publisher=classroomhelp.com|access-date=November 12, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113112652/http://www.classroomhelp.com/lessons/FirstLadies/RCarter.html|url-status=live}} Carter was known for a lack of attention paid to fashion, and her choice to wear the gown she wore at her husband's swearing-in as governor to his presidential inauguration reinforced this view of her.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/01/13/archives/something-new-something-old-for-sentimental-rosalynn-carter.html|title=Something New, Something Old For Sentimental Rosalynn Carter|first=Georgia|last=Duella|date=January 13, 1977|work=The New York Times|access-date=December 29, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113222833/http://www.nytimes.com/1977/01/13/archives/something-new-something-old-for-sentimental-rosalynn-carter.html|url-status=live}} Carter's public interest in national policy prompted Kandy Stroud of The New York Times to speculate she might become the most activist first lady since Eleanor Roosevelt.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/03/20/archives/rosalynns-agenda-in-the-white-house-rosalynn.html |title=Rosalynn's Agenda in the White House |work=The New York Times |date=March 20, 1977 |access-date=December 29, 2017 |archive-date=November 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171123065116/http://www.nytimes.com/1977/03/20/archives/rosalynns-agenda-in-the-white-house-rosalynn.html |url-status=live }} Amid the sinking approval ratings of her husband, Carter maintained high favorable viewpoints in the eyes of the public, and was tied with Mother Teresa for most-admired woman in the world.{{Cite web |url=https://kansaspress.ku.edu/978-0-7006-1544-5.html |title=Rosalynn Carter |publisher=kansaspress.ku.edu |access-date=November 12, 2017 |archive-date=December 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201212005900/https://kansaspress.ku.edu/978-0-7006-1544-5.html |url-status=dead }} In April 1979, during her speech as guest speaker at the 1979 Matrix Awards Luncheon of New York Women in Communications Inc., Carter said the issues she was championing were being met with opposition due to their lack of sexiness in being topics a first lady discusses.{{cite news |last=Klemesrud |first=Judy |date=April 27, 1979 |title=Rosalynn Carter, in Speech to Communicators, Makes Strong Feminist Appeal |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/04/27/archives/rosalynn-carter-in-speech-to-communicators-makes-strong-feminist.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=December 29, 2017 |archive-date=November 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113060554/http://www.nytimes.com/1979/04/27/archives/rosalynn-carter-in-speech-to-communicators-makes-strong-feminist.html |url-status=live }}

President Carter was challenged by Ted Kennedy for his re-election bid in the Democratic presidential primaries.{{cite news | url=http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2009/02/18/chapter_4_sailing_into_the_wind/ | title=Chapter 4: Sailing into the Wind: Losing a quest for the top, finding a new freedom | author=Allis, Sam | newspaper=The Boston Globe | date=February 18, 2009 | access-date=March 10, 2009 | archive-date=March 3, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303174031/http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2009/02/18/chapter_4_sailing_into_the_wind/ | url-status=live }} He would later write that the ongoing Iran hostage crisis impacted his choice to rely on his wife among others in his administration to advocate for his policies on the campaign trail.{{cite book|title=Sharing Good Times|first=Jimmy|last=Carter|year=2004|author-link=Jimmy Carter|page=[https://archive.org/details/sharinggoodtimes00cart_0/page/473 473]|publisher=Simon & Schuster|isbn=978-0743270335|url=https://archive.org/details/sharinggoodtimes00cart_0/page/473}} Vice President Mondale would come to view himself and Rosalynn as President Carter's proxies through much of the spring portion of the election cycle.{{cite book|title=The Good Fight: A Life in Liberal Politics|first=Walter|last=Mondale|date=October 5, 2010|author-link=Walter Mondale|page=[https://archive.org/details/goodfightlifeinl00mond/page/268 268]|publisher=Scribner|isbn=978-1439158661|url=https://archive.org/details/goodfightlifeinl00mond/page/268}} She would reflect that the Iowa victory of the Carter re-election campaign, which saw President Carter defeat Kennedy 59.2% to 31.2%, made it easier for her to be unbothered by Kennedy's attacks.Carter, Rosalynn (1984), p. 341. Although President Carter was able to secure the nomination,{{Cite web|url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/remarks-accepting-the-presidential-nomination-the-1980-democratic-national-convention-new|title=Remarks Accepting the Presidential Nomination at the 1980 Democratic National Convention in New York | The American Presidency Project|website=presidency.ucsb.edu|access-date=November 10, 2020|archive-date=October 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011214303/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/remarks-accepting-the-presidential-nomination-the-1980-democratic-national-convention-new|url-status=live}} Rosalynn would come to believe that Kennedy had damaged the Democratic Party through his campaign and inadequately assisted in the general election: "He was a poor loser. I thought that once he saw that he could not win, he would try to help the Democratic Party, because I thought it was so important to keep Ronald Reagan out of the White House and I thought he should have helped. Instead, he tore the Democratic Party to pieces."{{cite news|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/05/01/Rosalynn-Carter-said-today-that-Sen-Edward-Kennedy-was/5695452232000/|title=Rosalynn Carter said today that Sen. Edward Kennedy was...|date=May 1, 1984|work=United Press International|access-date=November 5, 2017|archive-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107023133/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/05/01/Rosalynn-Carter-said-today-that-Sen-Edward-Kennedy-was/5695452232000/|url-status=live}}

In the last few months of her husband's presidency, Rosalynn was confident that her husband and she would be able to defeat Reagan in the general election. On her birthday, she saw polls that showed they were gaining on Reagan, whose previous lead of 25% had decreased to 7%.Carter, Rosalynn (1984), p. 359. In the November 4 election, Carter lost to Reagan in a landslide.{{Cite web|url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/remarks-the-outcome-the-1980-presidential-election|title=Remarks on the Outcome of the 1980 Presidential Election | The American Presidency Project|website=presidency.ucsb.edu|access-date=November 10, 2020|archive-date=January 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119222230/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/remarks-the-outcome-the-1980-presidential-election|url-status=live}} She later cited Christian conservatives, the Iran hostage crisis, inflation, and the desire to wage a protest vote against the current administration with having contributed to Carter's defeat.{{cite news|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1980/11/19/Rosalynn-Carter-looks-ahead/4946343458000/|title=Rosalynn Carter looks ahead|work=United Press International|date=November 19, 1980|access-date=November 10, 2017|archive-date=November 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110114521/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1980/11/19/Rosalynn-Carter-looks-ahead/4946343458000/|url-status=live}} Her husband's loss came shortly after the passing of the Mental Health System Act, which sought to do much of what she had worked for during her tenure as first lady. However, after Ronald Reagan was elected, she reflected, "funding of our legislation was killed, by the philosophy of a new President. It was a bitter loss."Caroli, p. 273.

In the days following the election, Carter experienced depression, which led her husband to express the benefits of his impending post-presidency. She telephoned supporters of the re-election campaign to thank them for their involvement,{{cite book|title=Keeping Faith: Memoirs of a President|isbn= 978-1557283306|publisher=University of Arkansas Press|year=1995|pages=583–584|first=Jimmy|last=Carter|author-link=Jimmy Carter}} and met with Reagan's wife, Nancy, during the transitional period and gave her a tour of the White House.{{cite news|url=http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=45510|title=Meeting With President-Elect Ronald Reagan Remarks to Reporters Following the Meeting.|date=November 20, 1980|quote=I understand that Rosalynn and Nancy have had a good visit, too, and Mrs. Reagan has had a chance to look at the White House and the place where they will be living in the future.|publisher=American Presidency Project|access-date=November 10, 2017|archive-date=November 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109081136/http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=45510|url-status=live}} Carter and Nancy Reagan developed a friendship as a result of their shared support for the ERA.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/02/17/nyregion/notes-on-people-politics-isn-t-any-more-important-than-friendship.html|title=Notes on People: Politics Isn't Any More Important Than Friendship|work=The New York Times|date=February 17, 1981|access-date=January 29, 2018|archive-date=January 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125134647/http://www.nytimes.com/1981/02/17/nyregion/notes-on-people-politics-isn-t-any-more-important-than-friendship.html|url-status=live}} She was also satisfied that the Iran hostages were released on the day of Reagan's inauguration.Gould, p. 390.

File:Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter fishing - NARA - 180949.tif

Their families were already acquainted when Rosalynn first dated Jimmy Carter in 1945 while he was attending the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. She became attracted to him after seeing a picture of him in his Annapolis uniform.O'Brien, p. 253. The two were riding in the back seat of the car of Ruth Carter Stapleton's boyfriend when Jimmy surprised Rosalynn by kissing her. This was the first time that Rosalynn had ever allowed a boy to do so on the first date.Ryan, p. 21. Rosalynn agreed to marry Jimmy in February 1946 when she went to Annapolis with his parents. The two scheduled their marriage to take place in July, and kept the arrangement secret. Rosalynn resisted telling her mother she had chosen to marry instead of continuing her education.Godbold, pp. 58–59. On July 7, 1946, they married in Plains. Their marriage caused Rosalynn to cancel her plans to attend Georgia State College for Women, where she had planned to study interior design.Kaufman, p. 119.

The couple had four children: John William "Jack" (b. 1947), James Earl "Chip" III (b. 1950), Donnel Jeffrey "Jeff" (b. 1952), and Amy Lynn (b. 1967). Due to Jimmy's military duties, the first three were born in different parts of the country and away from Georgia. During that time, Rosalynn enjoyed the independence she had gained from raising the children on her own. However, their relationship faced its first major crisis when she opposed Jimmy's resigning to return to Plains in 1953 after he learned his father was dying. Jimmy reflected that she "avoided talking to me as much as possible" as a result of his decision and would interact with him through their children.{{cite book|title=A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety|year=2015|pages=67–68|publisher=Simon & Schuster|isbn=978-1501115646}} The Carters were fans of the New York Yankees until the Braves moved to Atlanta.Carter, Rosalynn (1984), p. 27. They said they never went to bed arguing with each other.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/jimmy-carter-now-88-on-aging-and-health/2013/05/03/84f67db8-9ae8-11e2-9bda-edd1a7fb557d_story.html|title=Jimmy Carter, now 88, on aging and health|date=May 6, 2013|first=Laura|last=Hambleton|access-date=September 11, 2017|archive-date=May 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518065444/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/jimmy-carter-now-88-on-aging-and-health/2013/05/03/84f67db8-9ae8-11e2-9bda-edd1a7fb557d_story.html|url-status=live}}

In 1953, after her husband left the Navy, Rosalynn helped run the family peanut farm and warehouse business, handling accounting responsibilities. Around this time, yearning for another child, the Carters discovered Rosalynn had physical ailments preventing pregnancy. She underwent surgery to remove a large tumor from her uterus 12 years later. Her obstetrician confirmed she could have another child, and their daughter Amy was born thereafter.{{cite book| author = Carter, Jimmy| title = Why Not the Best?

| publisher = Broadman Press| location= Nashville| year= 1975| isbn= 0-8054-5582-5|page=70}}

Rosalynn had different relationships with each member of Jimmy's family. Becoming friends with his sister, who was two years younger than she, Rosalynn gave her dresses she had outgrown.Carter, Rosalynn (1984), p. 4. However, she and Jimmy's mother, Lillian Gordy Carter, had difficulty living together.Godbold, p. 84.

In later years, the couple rode two and a half miles a day on three-wheel electric scooters, and they read the Bible aloud to each other in Spanish before they went to bed each night.

From 1962 (the year Jimmy was elected to the Georgia State Senate) until her death, she had been active in the political arena. Carter backed Lyndon B. Johnson in the 1964 presidential election, which she stated put her and her family at odds with other Georgians and caused them to develop a closeness with each other over shared values that others opposed.{{cite news|url=http://people.com/archive/rosalynn-carter-vol-12-no-26/|title=Rosalynn Carter|date=December 24, 1979|work=People|access-date=November 12, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113112742/http://people.com/archive/rosalynn-carter-vol-12-no-26/|url-status=live}}

Jimmy thoroughly consulted with Rosalynn before he mounted a bid for governor of Georgia in 1966. She traveled to many towns throughout the state with promotional materials, visiting establishments such as radio stations and newspaper offices, and attending meetings of civic organizations.{{cite book|title=Sharing Good Times|first=Jimmy|last=Carter|year=2004|author-link=Jimmy Carter|page=[https://archive.org/details/sharinggoodtimes00cart_0/page/44 44]|publisher=Simon & Schuster|isbn=978-0743270335|url=https://archive.org/details/sharinggoodtimes00cart_0/page/44}} In one encounter, she tried endorsing her husband to a man in Washington, Georgia, the latter declaring his support for Republican candidate Bo Callaway before spitting on her. Rosalynn would later describe the encounter as the "worst political experience of my life." Summarizing the race, Carter wrote, "This was a brief and rushed campaign, but we all learned many things that were helpful to us later."Carter, Rosalynn (1984), pp. 55–59. The 1966 gubernatorial campaign saw the beginning of new interactions between the Carters, as Rosalynn was now determined to know her husband's positions on issues and be informed.

The month after the election, Jimmy Carter began campaigning for the 1970 Georgia gubernatorial election. In this campaign, Rosalynn made speeches, which she had not done in prior campaigns. The Carters were separated for most of their travels, and she also began writing speeches for the first time in her involvement in politics.Carter, Rosalynn (1984), pp. 65–66. When she met a Carter campaign worker who confided in Rosalynn that her daughter had a mental illness, the sight of the exhausted woman haunted Carter and became a factor in her eventual focus on mental health.{{cite news|url=http://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Rosalynn-Carter-Advocate-for-the-mentally-ill-3178270.php|title=Rosalynn Carter: Advocate for the mentally ill|first=Julian|last=Guthrie|date=August 11, 2010|work=San Francisco Chronicle|access-date=November 12, 2017|archive-date=December 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206102243/https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Rosalynn-Carter-Advocate-for-the-mentally-ill-3178270.php|url-status=live}} Jimmy would later disclose that during the campaign and in the years of his governorship they became "keenly aware of the unmet needs of people in our state who suffered from mental and emotional disabilities."{{Cite web|url=http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=32339|title=Mental Health Systems Legislation Message to the Congress Transmitting the Proposed Legislation. (May 15, 1979)|access-date=November 12, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113060353/http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=32339|url-status=dead}}

Mary Prince (an African-American woman wrongly convicted of murder, and later pardoned) was Amy's nanny for most of the period from 1971 until Jimmy Carter's presidency ended,{{cite book|author=Jimmy Carter|title=Our Endangered Values: America's Moral Crisis|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qqyUX6KRbZsC&pg=PA84|year=2005|publisher=Simon and Schuster|isbn=978-0-7432-8457-8|pages=84–|quote=My last book, Sharing Good Times, is dedicated "to Mary Prince, whom we love and cherish." Mary is a wonderful black woman who, as a teenager visiting a small town, was falsely accused of murder and defended by an assigned lawyer whom she first met on the day of the trial, when he advised her to plead guilty, promising a light sentence. She got life imprisonment instead ... A re-examination of the evidence and trial proceedings by the original judge revealed that she was completely innocent, and she was granted a pardon.}} partly thanks to Rosalynn's belief in Prince's innocence.{{cite web |last=Chabbott |first=Sophia |url=http://www.glamour.com/inspired/blogs/the-conversation/2015/03/the-residence-book |title=The Residence: Meet the Women Behind Presidential Families Kennedy, Johnson, Carter |work=Glamour |date=March 19, 2015 |access-date=May 2, 2015 |quote=Rosalynn Carter, who believed Prince was wrongly convicted, secured a reprieve so Prince could join them in Washington. Prince was later granted a full pardon; to this day she occasionally babysits the Carters' grandkids. |archive-date=May 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509085304/http://www.glamour.com/inspired/blogs/the-conversation/2015/03/the-residence-book |url-status=live }}{{cite book|author=Kate Andersen Brower|author-link=Kate Andersen Brower|title=The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LGidBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA185|year=2015|publisher=Harper Collins|isbn=9780062305213|page=185|quote=... Yet before the year 1970 had come to an end, Prince had been selected by Rosalynn Carter to care for her daughter at the governor's mansion. Mrs. Carter was convinced that the young woman had been unjustly convicted. 'She was totally innocent,' Rosalynn Carter says. Forever loyal to their daughter's nanny, the Carters have practically adopted her as a member of their family. ... But Mrs. Carter was so confident in Prince's innocence that she wrote to the parole board and secured her a reprieve so that Amy's beloved nanny could work for them at the White House. Even more remarkably, the president had himself designated as Prince's parole officer. Ultimately, after a reexamination of her case, Prince was granted a full pardon.|access-date=June 10, 2023|archive-date=June 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610002245/https://books.google.com/books?id=LGidBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA185|url-status=live}}

Rosalynn and her husband former President Jimmy Carter traveled to Mongolia in 2013 and both Carters fished for taimen.{{cite web |last1=Carter |first1=Jimmy |author1-link=Jimmy Carter |title=Jimmy Carter On Fly Fishing For Taimen |url=https://www.flyfisherman.com/editorial/tackling-taimen/152028# |website=Fly Fisherman |access-date=7 January 2025 |date=7 March 2014}}

Rosalynn created the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers in 1987.{{cite web | url=https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-carter-habitat-for-humanity-carter-center-eae94114f97acec388f8e32b9202f782 | title=Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter left behind enduring nonprofits as part of their legacy of giving back | website=Associated Press News | date=January 7, 2025 }}

In April 1977, Carter underwent surgery to remove a nonmalignant breast tumor.{{cite news|url=http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1977/04/30/page/6/article/mrs-carter-says-she-feels-fine|title=Mrs. Carter says she 'feels fine'|date=April 30, 1977|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=November 12, 2017|archive-date=April 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170423153055/http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1977/04/30/page/6/article/mrs-carter-says-she-feels-fine/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/10/17/us/new-attitudes-ushered-in-by-betty-ford.html|title=New Attitudes Ushered In by Betty Ford|date=October 17, 1987|work=The New York Times|access-date=December 29, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113165828/http://www.nytimes.com/1987/10/17/us/new-attitudes-ushered-in-by-betty-ford.html|url-status=live}} She underwent a gynecological procedure at Bethesda Naval Hospital in August 1977,{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1977/08/14/chip-carter-moving-out-of-white-house/8ba7114d-0a3a-4af5-b638-7a361305ed93/|title=Chip Carter Moving Out of White House|first=William|last=Claiborne|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=November 12, 2017|archive-date=November 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121234820/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1977/08/14/chip-carter-moving-out-of-white-house/8ba7114d-0a3a-4af5-b638-7a361305ed93/|url-status=live}} which her press secretary Mary Hoyt described as a routine private matter.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1977/08/16/rosalynn-carter-reported-fine-after-surgery/d49c2371-05d6-4479-89e8-713ea95ac03b/|title=Rosalynn Carter Reported 'Fine' After Surgery|first=Victor|last=Cohn|date=August 16, 1977|access-date=November 12, 2017|archive-date=November 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121234757/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1977/08/16/rosalynn-carter-reported-fine-after-surgery/d49c2371-05d6-4479-89e8-713ea95ac03b/|url-status=live}}

On May 30, 2023, the Carter Center announced that Carter had been diagnosed with dementia. The statement also noted that she continued to live at home with her husband – who was in hospice care at the time of the announcement – "enjoying spring and visits with loved ones".{{Cite web |title=Carter Family Statement about Health of First Lady Rosalynn Carter |url=https://www.cartercenter.org/news/pr/2023/statement-on-rosalynn-carters-health.html |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=Carter Center |archive-date=May 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530171434/https://www.cartercenter.org/news/pr/2023/statement-on-rosalynn-carters-health.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=Former first lady Rosalynn Carter has dementia, Carter Center says |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/30/politics/rosalynn-carter-health |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=CNN |date=May 30, 2023 |archive-date=May 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530183550/https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/30/politics/rosalynn-carter-health/ |url-status=live }} On November 17, 2023, Carter entered hospice care.{{Cite news |title=Rosalynn Carter, wife of Jimmy Carter, joins husband in hospice care |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/nov/17/rosalynn-carter-jimmy-carter-hospice-care |access-date=November 18, 2023 |newspaper=The Guardian |date=November 17, 2023 |archive-date=November 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117231305/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/nov/17/rosalynn-carter-jimmy-carter-hospice-care |url-status=live }} Her health had been failing amid a urinary tract infection which had not improved with antibiotics.{{cite news|url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/11/22/rosalynn-carter-funeral-final-moments/|title = The final hours of Rosalynn Carter's life, in the town where it began|last = Jordan|first = Mary|date = November 22, 2023|accessdate = December 30, 2023|newspaper = The Washington Post|url-access = limited}} She died two days later at her home in Plains, Georgia, at age 96.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/obituaries/rosalynn-carter-former-first-lady-dies-rcna62862|title=Rosalynn Carter, former first lady and tireless humanitarian who advocated for mental health issues, dies at 96|publisher=NBC News|access-date=November 19, 2023|archive-date=November 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119202200/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/obituaries/rosalynn-carter-former-first-lady-dies-rcna62862|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |date=November 19, 2023 |title=Rosalynn Carter, former first lady, dies at age 96 |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rosalynn-carter-dies-age-96-former-first-lady/ |access-date=November 19, 2023 |publisher=CBS News |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120005403/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rosalynn-carter-dies-age-96-former-first-lady/ |url-status=live }}

Jimmy Carter said of his wife following her death, "Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished."{{cite news |last1=Chazan |first1=Aliza |title=Tributes for Rosalynn Carter pour in from Washington, D.C., and around the country |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rosalynn-carter-death-tributes-reactions-memorials/ |access-date=November 22, 2023 |agency=Colombia Broadcasting |publisher=CBS |date=November 19, 2023 |archive-date=November 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122103812/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rosalynn-carter-death-tributes-reactions-memorials/ |url-status=live }} He died thirteen months later on December 29, 2024.{{Cite web |date=2024-12-29 |title=Jimmy Carter, oldest of all US presidents, dies aged 100 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpww85w5p30o |access-date=2025-02-05 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}

{{external media| float = right| video1 = [https://www.c-span.org/video/?532075-1/tribute-service-rosalynn-carter Tribute Service for Rosalynn Carter, Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church, Atlanta, Georgia, November 28, 2023], C-SPAN}}

On November 27, a motorcade which began in Plains arrived in Americus, where Carter's casket was carried from the Phoebe Sumter Medical Center to a waiting hearse by former members of Carter's United States Secret Service detail. The motorcade stopped at Carter's alma mater Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW), where GSW president Neal Weaver and Jennifer Olsen, CEO of the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers,{{cite web|url=https://rosalynncarter.org/dr-olsen/|title=Dr. Jennifer Olsen, Chief Executive Officer|publisher=Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving|accessdate=November 27, 2023|archive-date=November 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129170753/https://rosalynncarter.org/dr-olsen/|url-status=live}} placed two wreaths near her statue at the university's Rosalynn Carter Health and Human Sciences Complex.{{cite news|url=https://www.savannahnow.com/story/news/state/2023/11/27/rosalynn-carter-funeral-live-updates-from-americus-atlanta-services/71693067007/|title=Rosalynn Carter memorial service live updates: Family motorcade en route to Atlanta|first=Caitlyn|last=Stroh-Page|publisher=Savannah Morning News|date=November 27, 2023|accessdate=November 27, 2023|archive-date=November 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127143814/https://www.savannahnow.com/story/news/state/2023/11/27/rosalynn-carter-funeral-live-updates-from-americus-atlanta-services/71693067007/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.cartercenter.org/news/pr/2023/rosalynn-carter-monday-motorcade-route-set.html|title=Rosalynn Carter Monday Motorcade Route Set|publisher=The Carter Center|date=November 26, 2023|accessdate=November 27, 2023|archive-date=November 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126202459/https://www.cartercenter.org/news/pr/2023/rosalynn-carter-monday-motorcade-route-set.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOvrGOYcGiQ|title=Wreath laying in tribute to Rosalynn Carter|author=WJCL News|via=YouTube|date=November 27, 2023|accessdate=November 27, 2023|archive-date=November 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129170752/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOvrGOYcGiQ|url-status=live}} The motorcade then traveled via Interstates 75 and 285 to The Carter Center in Atlanta, where she lay in repose at the center's Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. During this time, a service was held and the public paid their respects.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/rosalynn-carter-funeral-service-atlanta-b2454429.html|title=Watch live: Former US first lady Rosalynn Carter's casket arrives at Atlanta's Jimmy Carter Library|first=Rhys|last=Jones|work=The Independent|date=November 27, 2023|accessdate=November 27, 2023|archive-date=November 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127214405/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/rosalynn-carter-funeral-service-atlanta-b2454429.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/27/us/rosalynn-carter-repose-motorcade-ceremony/index.html|title=Rosalynn Carter lies in repose in Atlanta as the world shares final goodbyes|first=Christina|last=Maxouris|publisher=CNN|date=November 27, 2023|accessdate=November 27, 2023|archive-date=November 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127193150/https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/27/us/rosalynn-carter-repose-motorcade-ceremony/index.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.axios.com/2023/11/27/rosalynn-carter-motorcade-repose-ceremony-atlanta|title=Rosalynn Carter lies in repose in Atlanta|first1=Emma|last1=Hurt|first2=Ivana|last2=Saric|publisher=Axios|date=November 27, 2023|accessdate=November 27, 2023|archive-date=November 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128215316/https://www.axios.com/2023/11/27/rosalynn-carter-motorcade-repose-ceremony-atlanta|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/27/politics/president-jimmy-carter-rosalynn-funeral/index.html|title=Jimmy Carter and all living former first ladies to attend Rosalynn Carter's memorial service|first1=Eva|last1=McKend|first2=Nick|last2=Valencia|first3=Devon M.|last3=Sayers|publisher=CNN|date=November 27, 2023|accessdate=November 27, 2023|archive-date=November 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128010553/https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/27/politics/president-jimmy-carter-rosalynn-funeral/index.html|url-status=live}}

A tribute service was held at the Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at Emory University in northeast Atlanta on November 28.{{Cite news |last=Maxouris |first=Christina |publisher=CNN |date=November 27, 2023 |title=Rosalynn Carter to lie in repose in Atlanta today as the world prepares for final farewell |language=en |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/27/us/rosalynn-carter-repose-motorcade-ceremony/index.html |access-date=November 27, 2023 |archive-date=November 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127193150/https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/27/us/rosalynn-carter-repose-motorcade-ceremony/index.html |url-status=live }} The service was televised on all television stations in the Atlanta market, and was also carried on some networks nationally. Jimmy Carter, who was in hospice care, attended, donning a blanket featuring images of Rosalynn and himself and with references to their hometown of Plains.{{cite news|url=https://people.com/jimmy-carter-wears-blanket-with-late-wife-rosalynn-s-face-to-her-memorial-in-rare-appearance-8407547|title=Jimmy Carter Wears Blanket Featuring Image of Late Wife Rosalynn's Face to Her Memorial Service|first=Stephanie|last=Sengwe|work=People|date=November 28, 2023|accessdate=November 28, 2023|archive-date=November 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128214313/https://people.com/jimmy-carter-wears-blanket-with-late-wife-rosalynn-s-face-to-her-memorial-in-rare-appearance-8407547|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/rosalynn-carter-tribute-service-tuesday-11-28-23/index.html|title=Tribute service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter|publisher=CNN|date=November 28, 2023|accessdate=November 28, 2023|archive-date=November 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128182335/https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/rosalynn-carter-tribute-service-tuesday-11-28-23/index.html|url-status=live|first1=Elise|last1=Hammond}} President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, and former president Bill Clinton also attended. All living former first ladies, Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush, Michelle Obama, and Melania Trump attended the tribute service. Georgia governor and first lady Brian and Marty Kemp were also in attendance, as well as Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens. In addition to several others, friend and PBS journalist Judy Woodruff offered a spoken tribute.{{cite news|url=https://people.com/jimmy-carter-attends-rosalynn-carter-memorial-service-8407429|title=Jimmy Carter, 99, Makes Rare Appearance at Late Wife Rosalynn Carter's Memorial Service|first=Virginia|last=Chamlee|work=People|date=November 28, 2023|accessdate=November 29, 2023|archive-date=November 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128235221/https://people.com/jimmy-carter-attends-rosalynn-carter-memorial-service-8407429|url-status=live}} Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood performed John Lennon's "Imagine" at the ceremony.{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rosalynn-carter-service-today-jimmy-carter-joe-biden-jill-biden-former-first-ladies/|title=Watch live: Rosalynn Carter honored in service attended by Jimmy Carter|first=Caroline|last=Linton|publisher=CBS News|date=November 28, 2023|accessdate=November 28, 2023|archive-date=November 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128175619/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rosalynn-carter-service-today-jimmy-carter-joe-biden-jill-biden-former-first-ladies/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://news.yahoo.com/watch-live-rosalynn-carter-funeral-jimmy-carter-all-5-living-first-ladies-melania-trump-hillary-clinton-michelle-obama-162011346.html|title=Rosalynn Carter funeral: Watch live as Jimmy Carter and all 5 living first ladies attend service|first=Dylan|last=Stableford|publisher=Yahoo News|date=November 28, 2023|accessdate=November 28, 2023|archive-date=November 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128184156/https://news.yahoo.com/watch-live-rosalynn-carter-funeral-jimmy-carter-all-5-living-first-ladies-melania-trump-hillary-clinton-michelle-obama-162011346.html|url-status=live}}

A private funeral was held on November 29 at the Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, with the Carter family and invited close friends in attendance. Jimmy Carter attended the Plains funeral, where he and their children wore leis to reference the family's time in Hawaii.{{cite news|url=https://www.savannahnow.com/story/news/state/2023/11/29/jimmy-carter-flower-necklaces-lei-rosalynn-carter-funeral-maranatha-baptist/71741203007/|title=Jimmy Carter, family members arrive at Rosalynn Carter funeral wearing leis. Here's why|first=Fletcher|last=Page|publisher=Savannah Now|date=November 29, 2023|accessdate=November 29, 2023|archive-date=November 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129204925/https://www.savannahnow.com/story/news/state/2023/11/29/jimmy-carter-flower-necklaces-lei-rosalynn-carter-funeral-maranatha-baptist/71741203007/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/rosalynn-jimmy-carter-funeral-service-latest-b2455296.html|title=Jimmy Carter pays touching tribute to late wife Rosalynn at memorial service: Live updates|first1=Rachel|last1=Sharp|first2=Ariana|last2=Baio|work=The Independent|date=November 29, 2023|accessdate=November 29, 2023|archive-date=November 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129185438/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/rosalynn-jimmy-carter-funeral-service-latest-b2455296.html|url-status=live}} After a final procession through Plains, Carter was buried during a private service at her residence.{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/rosalynn-carter-funeral-plains-7bfe185985105ed61eb69446819c6c26|title=Rosalynn Carter is eulogized before family and friends as husband Jimmy bears silent witness|first=Bill|last=Barrow|work=Associated Press News|date=November 29, 2023|accessdate=November 29, 2023|archive-date=November 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129212707/https://apnews.com/article/rosalynn-carter-funeral-plains-7bfe185985105ed61eb69446819c6c26|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/11/29/rosalynn-carter-funeral-burial-jimmy-carter/|title=Rosalynn Carter buried near the Georgia home that she built with Jimmy|first1=Mary|last1=Jordan|first2=Kevin|last2=Sullivan|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=November 29, 2023|accessdate=November 29, 2023}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.cartercenter.org/news/pr/2023/schedule-of-observances-rosalynn-carter.html |date=November 19, 2023 |title=Schedule of Observances for Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter |access-date=November 20, 2023 |work=The Carter Center |archive-date=November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120111848/https://www.cartercenter.org/news/pr/2023/schedule-of-observances-rosalynn-carter.html |url-status=live }}

After the Carters left the White House in 1981, they continued to lead a very active life. In 1982, she co-founded the Carter Center, a private, nonprofit institution based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Carters returned to the home they had built in 1961 in Plains, Georgia. She was a member of the center's board of trustees and participated in many of the center's programs, but gave special attention to the mental health program.{{cite web|url=http://www.cartercenter.org/news/experts/rosalynn_carter.html|title=Rosalynn Carter Biography|website=The Carter Center|access-date=July 28, 2008|archive-date=July 23, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080723120655/http://cartercenter.org/news/experts/rosalynn_carter.html|url-status=live}} Carter and her husband fell into serious debt immediately after leaving the White House, but were able to pay off their debts by engaging in writing projects and eventually were able to open the Carter Center from their revenue. She, like Betty Ford before her, would say the American people made a mistake in not re-electing her husband and was bitter over the election.O'Brien, p. 256. At this time she expressed resentment of Ronald Reagan, and even told interviewer Mike Wallace that he was ruining the country. Rumors at this time spread that she was running for Governor of Georgia, which she denied and outright stated that she had no political ambition.{{cite book|title=Conversation with Carter|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k-DXDZDo9xUC&q=rosalynn+carter&pg=PA262|date=October 1998|isbn=9781555878016|last1=Carter|first1=Jimmy| publisher=Lynne Rienner Publishers }} Nearly two decades later when Hillary Clinton was pondering whether or not to run for Senator in New York, Carter was asked why she had not run for the Georgia Senate. She responded "What would I have done in Washington, with Jimmy in Georgia?"Marton, p. 243.

Carter and her husband's first major project with the Carter Center was to help broker a peace deal between Israel and its neighbors. They visited the Middle East in March 1983 and worked with Kenneth W. Stein and other associates of the Carter administration. They invited top leaders from a wide range of cities and countries to participate, including the Palestinians, Jordan, Syria, and Egypt.Carter, Jimmy (2008), p. 15.

In the early summer of 1986, the Carters aided the poor by helping to build homes on the north and west sides of Chicago.{{cite news|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-3745630.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610195331/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-3745630.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 10, 2014|title=Carters to help build homes here|work=Chicago Sun-Times|date=January 13, 1986}} They were accompanied by members of Habitat for Humanity as they wielded hammers and saws while working for a week to construct homes in a vacant lot.{{cite news|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-3745784.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610193816/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-3745784.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 10, 2014|title=Carters to build homes for poor here|date=January 14, 1986|first=Mark|last=Brown|work=Chicago Sun-Times}}{{cite news|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-3775052.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610200946/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-3775052.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 10, 2014|title=A 'lot more' to do, builder Carter says|date=July 12, 1986|work=Chicago Sun-Times|first=Larry|last=Weintraub}} In 1991, the Carters removed themselves and the Carter Center from direct involvement in the Middle East at the time that President George H. W. Bush's administration, especially Secretary of State James Baker, became more active in that region. However, they did monitor the Oslo peace agreement of 1993, which sprang from the President and Secretary of State's bringing Palestinians and other parties involved in the matter to a conference in Madrid.Carter, Jimmy (2008), p. 17.

Image:First-Ladies cropped.jpg, Lady Bird Johnson, Hillary Clinton, Carter, Betty Ford, and Barbara Bush at the National Garden Gala: A Tribute to America's First Ladies in May 1994]]

Carter created and served as the chair of The Carter Center Mental Health Task Force, an advisory board of experts, consumers, and advocates promoting positive change in the mental health field. She hosted the annual Rosalynn Carter Symposium on Mental Health Policy, bringing together nationwide leaders in the mental health field.{{cite web | last=Nestel | first=M.L. | title=Former first lady Rosalynn Carter, wife of the 39th president and advocate for mental health care, dies at 96 | website=ABC News | date=November 19, 2023 | url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/former-first-lady-rosalynn-carter-dies/story?id=55565598 | access-date=November 19, 2023 | archive-date=November 20, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120005531/https://abcnews.go.com/US/former-first-lady-rosalynn-carter-dies/story?id=55565598 | url-status=live }}

In April 1984, she became an Honorary Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and served as a board member emeritus of the National Mental Health Association. In 1985, she started the Rosalynn Carter Symposium on Mental Health Policy. The launch and its proceeds allowed representatives of mental health organizations to come together and collaborate on prominent issues.Levin, p. xix. The success of the symposium led to the creation of the Mental Health Program in 1991. Carter established the Mental Health Task Force that same year to guide the Symposia as well as other Mental Health programs.Coleman, p. 52. She became chair of the International Women Leaders for Mental Health in 1992,{{cite web | url=http://www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov/documents/rsc/rscbio.phtml | title=Biography of Rosalynn Carter | access-date=July 27, 2016 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816192033/http://www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov/documents/rsc/rscbio.phtml | archive-date=August 16, 2016 }} and three years later she was honored with the naming of the Rosalynn Carter Mental Georgia Health Forum after her.Schneider, p. 318.

The Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism provide stipends to journalists to report on topics related to mental health or mental illnesses. The one-year fellowship seeks to promote public awareness of mental health issues, as well as to erase the stigma associated with them.Columbia Journalism Review, Nov./Dec. 2007 In September 2004, Carter met with the recipients of the eighth annual Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism at the Carter Center.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cartercenter.org/news/documents/doc1746.html|title=The Carter Center Awards 2004–2005 Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism|website=cartercenter.org|access-date=November 12, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113003809/https://www.cartercenter.org/news/documents/doc1746.html|url-status=live}}

In 2007, Carter joined with David Wellstone, son of one-time U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone, in pushing Congress to pass legislation regarding mental health insurance.{{cite news |title=Former first lady joins fight for mental health coverage |url=http://media.www.dailyvidette.com/media/storage/paper420/news/2007/07/11/Features/Former.First.Lady.Joins.Fight.For.Mental.Health.Coverage-2923183.shtml |agency=Associated Press |date=July 11, 2007 |access-date=July 17, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928073706/http://media.www.dailyvidette.com/media/storage/paper420/news/2007/07/11/Features/Former.First.Lady.Joins.Fight.For.Mental.Health.Coverage-2923183.shtml |archive-date=September 28, 2007 }} She and Wellstone worked to pass the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 which requires equal coverage of mental and physical illnesses when policies include both types of coverage. Furthermore, both testified before a House subcommittee regarding the bill in July 2007.

Legislation requiring parity in health insurance coverage for treatment of mental illnesses was ultimately passed and signed into law in October 2008.{{cite web | url=http://www.nbcnews.com/id/26997059 | title=Bailout marks last push for mental health bill | publisher=NBC News | date=October 2, 2008 | access-date=November 10, 2019 | archive-date=September 23, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923224336/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/26997059 | url-status=dead }}

Carter was president of the board of directors for the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving (RCI) at Georgia Southwestern State University, her alma mater in Americus, Georgia. The RCI, which was established in 1987, aims to address issues related to caregiving in both the United States and internationally. The institute focuses its work on both family and professional caregivers for individuals living with chronic illness and disabilities, limitations related to aging, and other health concerns people encounter in their lifespan. It plays a major role in moving science into practice for caregivers by supporting the implementation of evidence-based programs and interventions for caregivers in community settings.[http://rci.gsw.edu/ Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322140951/http://rci.gsw.edu/ |date=March 22, 2012 }}. Rci.gsw.edu. Retrieved April 26, 2012. The inaugural Rosalynn Carter Institute Gala Celebration of Caregivers took place in June 2004 in Atlanta Symphony Hall and featured Carter presenting bronze medallions to award winners.{{cite news|url=https://www.emory.edu/EMORY_REPORT/erarchive/2004/June/er%20june7/6_7_04caregiver.html|title=Inaugural Rosalynn Carter event celebrates caregivers|date=June 7, 2004|publisher=EmoryReport|first=Katherine|last=Baust|access-date=November 12, 2017|archive-date=October 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161015111941/http://www.emory.edu/EMORY_REPORT/erarchive/2004/June/er%20june7/6_7_04caregiver.html|url-status=live}}

File:Rosalynn Carter with Betty Ford and Ladybird Johnson at the National Womens Conference. - NARA - 176935 (1).tif with former first ladies Betty Ford (center), and Lady Bird Johnson (right)]]

In 1977, Carter was a speaker at the 1977 National Women's Conference among other speakers including Betty Ford, Bella Abzug, Lady Bird Johnson, Barbara Jordan, Audrey Colom, Claire Randall, Gerridee Wheeler, Cecilia Burciaga, Gloria Steinem, Lenore Hershey and Jean O'Leary."[https://americanarchive.org/catalog/cpb-aacip-526-f47gq6s51g 1977 National Women's Conference: A Question of Choices]," 1977-11-21, The Walter J. Brown Media Archives & Peabody Awards Collection at the University of Georgia, American Archive of Public Broadcasting

In 1988, she convened with three other former first ladies—Betty Ford, Lady Bird Johnson, and Pat Nixon—at the "Women and the Constitution" conference in The Carter Center to assess that document's impact on women. The conference featured over 150 speakers and 1,500 attendees from all 50 states and 10 foreign countries. The conference was meant to promote awareness of sexual inequality in other countries, and to fight against it in the United States.Carter, Jimmy (2008), p. 233.

Carter served on the Policy Advisory Board of The Atlanta Project (TAP) of The Carter Center, addressing social ills associated with poverty and quality of life citywide.{{cite web | title=What to know about Rosalynn Carter | publisher=WBAL | date=November 17, 2023 | url=https://www.wbaltv.com/article/rosalynn-carter-facts/45866979 | ref={{sfnref | WBAL | 2023}} | access-date=November 19, 2023 | archive-date=November 18, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118081140/https://www.wbaltv.com/article/rosalynn-carter-facts/45866979 | url-status=live }}

In 1991, Carter launched Every Child By Two, a nationwide campaign that sought to increase early childhood immunizations along with Betty Bumpers, wife of former U.S. Senator Dale Bumpers of Arkansas. Carter served as president of the organization and Bumpers as vice president. The campaign's launch was in response to the deaths of nearly 150 people after a resurgence of measles.{{cite news|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/health/story/health/story/2011-11-14/Former-first-lady-Rosalynn-Carter-champions-vaccines/51202820/1|title=Former first lady Rosalynn Carter champions vaccines|date=November 14, 2011|first=Liz|last=Szabo|work=USA Today|access-date=January 1, 2014|archive-date=January 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102200342/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/health/story/health/story/2011-11-14/Former-first-lady-Rosalynn-Carter-champions-vaccines/51202820/1|url-status=live}}

Carter also served on the board of advisors for Habitat for Humanity and as an honorary chair of Project Interconnections, both of which aim to provide housing for those in need. Additionally, she was a deacon at her and her husband's Plains Baptist church.{{cite web |last1=Walker |first1=Andrew |title=Jimmy Carter Interviewed by Albert Mohler |url=http://www.theird.org/page.aspx?pid=2351 |website=Theird.org |publisher=The Institute on Religion & Democracy |access-date=April 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615120206/http://www.theird.org/page.aspx?pid=2351 |archive-date=June 15, 2012 |date=March 27, 2012}}

Shortly after leaving office, Carter signed with Houghton Mifflin for the writing of her autobiography. Carter's memoir, First Lady from Plains, was released in 1984. Mark Updegrove wrote that her memoir, and that of her husband, Keeping Faith: Memoirs of a President, succeeded in "boosting the bank account and spirits of their authors."{{cite book|title=Second Acts: Presidential Lives And Legacies After The White House|first=Mark|last=Updegrove|year=2006|publisher=Lyons Press|pages=[https://archive.org/details/secondactspresid00upde/page/149 149–152.]|isbn=978-1592289424|url=https://archive.org/details/secondactspresid00upde/page/149}} In a March 1981 interview, Carter's work on the autobiography was noted by her husband, who said that she would be "starting on a book shortly" without disclosing what the contents would be.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/03/24/arts/no-problem-machine-poses-a-presidential-problem.html|title='No Problem' Machine Poses A Presidential Problem|first=Edwin|last=McDowell|date=March 24, 1981|work=The New York Times|access-date=December 29, 2017|archive-date=November 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114041043/http://www.nytimes.com/1981/03/24/arts/no-problem-machine-poses-a-presidential-problem.html|url-status=live}}

After the Carters left the White House, Carter still had sour feelings about her husband's loss of the election, and questioned how he could not be re-elected despite what she believed were the good choices he had made during his presidency.

In a 1984 interview, Carter was asked about her opinions on the 1984 presidential election, saying she was unsure if it was the right time for a female vice presidential candidate on the Democratic ticket and that the most important thing for the Democrats should be winning against Reagan, whose policies she charged were tragic. Carter also voiced her desire for her husband to run for a second non-consecutive term.{{cite news|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/04/25/Rosalynn-Carter-Bitter-at-1980-loss-Wishes-her-husband-would-run-again/7363451717200/|title=Rosalynn Carter: Bitter at 1980 loss: Wishes her husband would run again|first=Helen|last=Thomas|date=April 25, 1984|access-date=November 1, 2017|archive-date=October 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012124151/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/04/25/Rosalynn-Carter-Bitter-at-1980-loss-Wishes-her-husband-would-run-again/7363451717200/|url-status=live}} She knew in her heart that her husband would not seek a non-consecutive term and went into depression in the early weeks of the retirement, Jimmy's attempts at portraying an artificial happiness strained the relationship due to him seeming to not understand her reasons for being disappointed in their current state of affairs.

Throughout the 1980s, Carter gave many speeches to audiences on the subject of caring for caregivers. She later reflected that members of the audience "came up to me crying, saying that this was the first time someone understood what they were going through."{{cite news|url=http://www.nextavenue.org/rosalynn-carter-pioneering-caregiving-advocate-says-more-must-be-done/|title=Rosalynn Carter: A Pioneering Caregiving Advocate Says More Must Be Done|first=Sherri|last=Snelling|date=August 6, 2012|publisher=nextavenue.org|access-date=November 12, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113060244/http://www.nextavenue.org/rosalynn-carter-pioneering-caregiving-advocate-says-more-must-be-done/|url-status=live}}

After the October 1981 assassination of Anwar Sadat,{{cite news|title=1981 Year in Review|url=http://www.upi.com/Audio/Year_in_Review/Events-of-1981/Anwar-Sadat-Killed/12311754163167-5/|access-date=December 22, 2012|work=United Press International|year=1981|archive-date=July 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130722081206/http://www.upi.com/Audio/Year_in_Review/Events-of-1981/Anwar-Sadat-Killed/12311754163167-5/|url-status=live}} the Carters contacted his wife Jehan Sadat and traveled with former presidents Nixon and Ford to represent the United States at his funeral.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/10/10/world/officials-from-around-the-world-attending-sadat-s-funeral.html|title=Officials from Around the World Attending Sadat's Funeral|work=The New York Times|date=October 10, 1981|access-date=December 29, 2017|archive-date=November 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121070643/http://www.nytimes.com/1981/10/10/world/officials-from-around-the-world-attending-sadat-s-funeral.html|url-status=live}} The Carters visited Jehan, who Rosalynn pledged to stay with during the funeral.{{cite book|title=Keeping Faith: Memoirs of a President|isbn= 978-1557283306|publisher=University of Arkansas Press|year=1995|pages=275–277|first=Jimmy|last=Carter|author-link=Jimmy Carter}} Later that month, the Carters attended the National Mental Health Association's gala dinner dance, their first visit to Washington since leaving the White House. Carter presented former Governor of New York W. Averell Harriman with an award during the event.{{cite news|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/10/03/Former-President-and-Mrs-Jimmy-Carter-will-mark-their/8151370929600/|title=Former President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter will mark their...|work=United Press International|date=October 3, 1981|access-date=December 7, 2017|archive-date=December 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207085933/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/10/03/Former-President-and-Mrs-Jimmy-Carter-will-mark-their/8151370929600/|url-status=live}} In December, she released a statement on the death of her personal secretary Rita Regina Merthan.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/12/05/obituaries/rosalynn-carter-s-secretary-rita-r-merthan-dead-at-50.html|title=Rosalynn Carter's Secretary, Rita R. Merthan, Dead at 50|work=The New York Times|date=December 5, 1981|access-date=January 29, 2018|archive-date=January 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113035518/http://www.nytimes.com/1981/12/05/obituaries/rosalynn-carter-s-secretary-rita-r-merthan-dead-at-50.html|url-status=live}}

In October 1982, Carter attended the funeral of Bess Truman in Independence, Missouri.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/10/22/us/bess-truman-rites-held-in-missouri.html|title=Bess Truman Rites Held in Missouri |first=Nathaniel Jr.|last=Sheppard|date=October 22, 1982|work=The New York Times|access-date=December 29, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113060517/http://www.nytimes.com/1982/10/22/us/bess-truman-rites-held-in-missouri.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/10/20/us/funeral-rites-for-bess-truman-set-for-tomorrow-in-missouri.html|title=Funeral Rites for Bess Truman Set for Tomorrow in Missouri|work=The New York Times|date=October 20, 1982|access-date=December 29, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113060437/http://www.nytimes.com/1982/10/20/us/funeral-rites-for-bess-truman-set-for-tomorrow-in-missouri.html|url-status=live}}

In March 1983, the Carters traveled throughout the Middle East.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/03/09/world/carter-meets-plo-officals-in-egypt.html|title=Carter Meets P.L.O. Officials in Egypt|first=William E.|last=Farrell|work=The New York Times|date=March 9, 1983|access-date=December 29, 2017|archive-date=December 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212140457/https://www.nytimes.com/1983/03/09/world/carter-meets-plo-officals-in-egypt.html|url-status=live}} In late 1983, Carter visited her ailing mother-in-law Lillian Carter at Americus-Sumter County Hospital, and was by her bedside when she died.{{cite news|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1983/10/30/Lillian-Carter-the-beloved-Miss-Lillian-and-matriarch-of/6102436334400/|title=Lillian Carter, the beloved 'Miss Lillian' and matriarch of...|date=October 30, 1983|work=United Press International|access-date=November 13, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113222944/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1983/10/30/Lillian-Carter-the-beloved-Miss-Lillian-and-matriarch-of/6102436334400/|url-status=live}} Days later, she attended the funeral, where a eulogist hailed Lillian's many good works.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/11/02/us/eulogist-hails-good-works-mrs-carter-s-burial-plains-ga-nov-1-upi-lillian-carter.html|title=Eulogist Hails Good Works at Mrs. Carter's Burial, Plains, Ga., Nov. 1 (UPI) – Lillian Carter, the mother of former President Jimmy Carter, was buried today near her southwest Georgia home.|work=The New York Times |agency=United Press International|date=November 2, 1983|access-date=December 29, 2017|archive-date=November 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114040207/http://www.nytimes.com/1983/11/02/us/eulogist-hails-good-works-mrs-carter-s-burial-plains-ga-nov-1-upi-lillian-carter.html|url-status=live}}

In October 1985, the Carters traveled to Nepal for a thirteen-day vacation in the Himalayan kingdom.{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1985/10/18/carters-begin-trek-toward-a-new-summit/|title=Carters Begin Trek Toward A New Summit|date=October 18, 1985|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=August 16, 2017|archive-date=August 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817063210/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1985-10-18/news/8503110275_1_president-jimmy-carter-base-camp-annapurna|url-status=live}}

In July 1986, Carter traveled with her husband to Chicago, Illinois for a weekend assisting with construction projects for Habitat for Humanity.{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1986/07/07/carter-takes-a-look-at-blueprints-of-hope/|title=Carter Takes A Look At Blueprints Of Hope|first=William|last=Recktenwald|work=Chicago Tribune|date=July 7, 1986|access-date=August 16, 2017|archive-date=August 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817063452/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1986-07-07/news/8602180039_1_humanity-project-president-jimmy-carter-south-africa|url-status=live}} In October, the Carters gave President Reagan and his wife Nancy a tour of the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum.{{cite news|url=http://www.upi.com/Archives/1986/10/01/President-Reagan-and-Jimmy-Carter-briefly-put-aside-their/9780528523200/|title=President Reagan and Jimmy Carter briefly put aside their...|first=Helen|last=Thomas|date=October 1, 1986|work=United Press International|access-date=August 27, 2017|archive-date=August 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828020222/http://www.upi.com/Archives/1986/10/01/President-Reagan-and-Jimmy-Carter-briefly-put-aside-their/9780528523200/|url-status=live}}

On January 19, 1988, Carter was given the honor of christening the cruise ship Sovereign of the Seas in a gala ceremony in Miami. It was the largest cruise ship in the world at the time. A special oversized {{Fraction|26|1|4}} liter bottle of Taittinger's champagne was used.

In March 1988, Carter attended a hearing on mental health by the House Select Committee on Aging. She lamented that ten years after a presidential commission found that 10 percent of Americans needed some form of mental health care, "most who were underserved at that time are still underserved in 1988".{{cite news|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/03/02/Former-first-lady-Rosalynn-Carter-and-Ohio-Gov-Richard/2302573282000/ph|title=Former first lady Rosalynn Carter and Ohio Gov. Richard...|date=March 2, 1988|work=United Press International|access-date=December 31, 2017|archive-date=January 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101030506/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/03/02/Former-first-lady-Rosalynn-Carter-and-Ohio-Gov-Richard/2302573282000/ph|url-status=live}} Later that month, the Carters traveled to Nigeria for discussions with officials on disease control and rural development projects.{{cite news|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/03/13/Carter-visits-Nigeria/3754574232400/|title=Carter visits Nigeria|date=March 13, 1988|work=United Press International|access-date=December 7, 2017|archive-date=December 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207085511/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/03/13/Carter-visits-Nigeria/3754574232400/|url-status=live}}

Carter attended the November 4, 1991, dedication of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/11/05/us/4-presidents-join-reagan-in-dedicating-his-library.html|title=4 Presidents Join Reagan in Dedicating His Library|first=Robert|last=Reinhold|work=The New York Times|date=November 5, 1991|access-date=December 29, 2017|archive-date=August 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817065855/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/11/05/us/4-presidents-join-reagan-in-dedicating-his-library.html|url-status=live}}

On September 13, 1993, the Carters returned to the White House for a ceremony that featured the signing by Israel and the PLO of an agreement on Palestinian self-government. Former president George H. W. Bush joined the Carters in staying overnight at the invitation of President Bill Clinton so that they could attend a ceremony promoting the North American Free Trade Agreement the next day. This marked "the first time ever that two former presidents have stayed as guests of the President overnight", according to a presidential aide.{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-09-14-mn-35012-story.html|title=Bush, Carter Stay the Night at White House|work=Los Angeles Times|date=September 14, 1993|access-date=December 7, 2019|archive-date=December 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151213160521/http://articles.latimes.com/1993-09-14/news/mn-35012_1_white-house|url-status=live}}

In August 1994, the Carters organized a Habitat for Humanity crew for the rebuilding of the house of family friend Annie Mae after it had been destroyed in a flood the previous month.{{cite news|url=http://buffalonews.com/1994/08/28/carter-habitat-for-humanity-come-to-aid-of-former-nanny/|title=Carter, Habitat for Humanity Come to Aid of Former Nanny|publisher=Buffalo News|date=August 28, 1994|access-date=May 26, 2017|archive-date=October 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031100214/http://buffalonews.com/1994/08/28/carter-habitat-for-humanity-come-to-aid-of-former-nanny/|url-status=live}}

On December 4, 2001, Carter delivered a speech to the National Press Club.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cartercenter.org/news/documents/doc129.html|title=Remarks of Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter at the National Press Club, Washington, D.C.|website=cartercenter.org|access-date=November 12, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113003710/https://www.cartercenter.org/news/documents/doc129.html|url-status=live}}

In January 2003, Carter attended the benefit for the 20th anniversary celebration of the Betty Ford Center in Indian Wells, California.{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2003/01/19/ex-1st-ladies-honor-betty-ford-center/|title=Ex-1st ladies honor Betty Ford Center|work=Chicago Tribune|date=January 19, 2003|access-date=November 12, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113003755/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2003-01-19/news/0301190042_1_betty-ford-center-five-former-first-ladies-rosalynn-carter|url-status=live}}

During the June 5, 2004, christening of the USS Jimmy Carter in Groton, Connecticut, Carter served as the ship sponsor and christened the ship with a bottle of champagne.{{cite news|url=http://web.kitsapsun.com/archive/2004/06-06/501_naval_submarine_jimmy_carter_chris.html|title=Naval submarine Jimmy Carter christened|publisher=Kitsapsun.com|date=June 6, 2004|access-date=November 12, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113112809/http://web.kitsapsun.com/archive/2004/06-06/501_naval_submarine_jimmy_carter_chris.html|url-status=live}} On October 11, 2004, Carter delivered the keynote address at the AAP National Conference & Exhibition, stating that she would favor medical school curricula requiring doctors to have the ability to recognize mental health symptoms and stressing the importance of recognizing symptoms in early childhood.{{cite news|url=http://www.aappublications.org/content/25/6/303|title=Former first lady Rosalynn Carter shares passions for improving mental health care, immunization|date=December 1, 2004|publisher=AAP News & Journals Gateway|access-date=November 12, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113003922/http://www.aappublications.org/content/25/6/303|url-status=live}}

In December 2006, Carter was ordained a deacon at the Maranatha Baptist Church.{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2007/01/05/rosalynn-carter-ordained-deacon/|title=Rosalynn Carter ordained deacon|date=January 5, 2007|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=November 12, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113060307/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2007-01-05/news/0701050326_1_baptist-groups-jimmy-carter-deacon|url-status=live}}

In January 2007, Carter and her husband joined other first ladies and presidents in attending the funeral of Gerald Ford,{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/03/washington/03dignitaries.html|title=Ford's Funeral Draws Array of Politicians and Dignitaries|date=January 3, 2007|work=The New York Times|first=Rachel L.|last=Swarns|access-date=February 23, 2017|archive-date=December 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161216222433/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/03/washington/03dignitaries.html|url-status=live}} and six months later attended Lady Bird Johnson's as well.{{cite news|title=Lady Bird Johnson laid to rest in Texas|date=July 15, 2009|newspaper=The Denver Post|url=http://www.denverpost.com/ci_6382846?source=rss|access-date=January 1, 2014|first=Kelley|last=Shannon|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=October 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016160333/http://www.denverpost.com/ci_6382846?source=rss|url-status=live}} In a 2007 interview shortly before her 80th birthday, Carter said she would continue keeping a full schedule despite wanting to curtail it due to her advancing age, and that she had planned to lower her workload, but failed to do so because she still did not "want to miss anything."{{cite news|url=https://www.upi.com/Top_News/2007/08/17/Rosalynn-Carter-active-at-80/41801187398832/|title=Rosalynn Carter active at 80|date=August 17, 2007|work=United Press International|access-date=November 1, 2017|archive-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107015326/https://www.upi.com/Top_News/2007/08/17/Rosalynn-Carter-acrtive-at-80/41801187398832/|url-status=live}}

In March 2009, the Carters met with National Security Advisor James L. Jones for a "general briefing".{{cite news|url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/18/carter-meets-with-national-security-adviser/|title=Carter meets with National Security Advisor|date=March 18, 2009|publisher=CNN|access-date=June 23, 2017|archive-date=November 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115143550/http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/18/carter-meets-with-national-security-adviser/|url-status=dead}} Carter was present for the April 21, 2009, signing by President Barack Obama of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act.{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/21/obama.service/|title=Obama signs national service legislation|date=April 22, 2009|publisher=CNN|access-date=November 14, 2017|archive-date=November 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115083218/http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/21/obama.service/|url-status=live}}

File:Five U.S. first ladies in 2013.jpg, Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush, and First Lady Michelle Obama during the dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, on April 25, 2013]]

In 2010, Carter criticized television crime dramas that portrayed mentally ill people as violent, when in fact they were more prone to being victims of crime.{{cite news|url=http://www.mysouthwestga.com/news/story.aspx?id=451690|title=Rosalynn Carter pens new book on mental health|date=May 3, 2010|publisher=FOX31Online|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101075610/http://www.mysouthwestga.com/news/story.aspx?id=451690#.UsN4Oij3C3U|archive-date=January 1, 2014}} On May 7, 2010, she attended the Michelle Obama-hosted Mother's Day Tea at the White House, and was joined by her granddaughter Sarah and infant great-granddaughter.{{cite news|url=http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/08/mothers-day-at-the-white-house/|title=Mother's Day at the White House|first=Jackie|last=Calmes|department=The Caucus (blog)|date=May 8, 2010|work=The New York Times|access-date=January 1, 2014|archive-date=January 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102192848/http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/08/mothers-day-at-the-white-house/|url-status=live}} On October 26, Carter appeared on a discussion panel at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum.{{cite news|url=http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2010/10/rosalynn_carter_tells_grand_ra.html|title=Rosalynn Carter tells Grand Rapids crowd stigma still preventing treatment of mental illness|date=October 26, 2010|publisher=mlive.com|access-date=November 12, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113112947/http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2010/10/rosalynn_carter_tells_grand_ra.html|url-status=live}}

After the death of Betty Ford on July 8, 2011, Carter delivered a eulogy during a memorial service.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-betty-ford-services-idUSTRE76A7JH20110711|title=Michelle Obama to attend Ford service in California|date=July 11, 2011|first=Mary|last=Slosson|work=Reuters|access-date=July 5, 2021|archive-date=May 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518091814/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-betty-ford-services-idUSTRE76A7JH20110711|url-status=live}} Carter called her one who had the courage to speak the truth and fight stigmas surrounding illness and addiction, even calling her "a tireless advocate for those struggling."{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-betty-ford-service-idUSTRE76B5TR20110712|title=Betty Ford remembered at California memorial service|first=Mary|last=Slosson|date=July 12, 2011|work=Reuters|access-date=July 5, 2021|archive-date=May 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517065817/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-betty-ford-service-idUSTRE76B5TR20110712|url-status=live}}

Carter attended a speech given by Georgia National Guard's Colonel Brent Bracewell in the morning hours of October 25, 2012.{{cite news|url=http://www.mysouthwestga.com/news/story.aspx?id=817280|title=Rosalynn Carter attends care giving presentation|first=Colby|last=Gallagher|date=October 25, 2012|publisher=Fox31Online|access-date=January 1, 2014|archive-date=January 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101075655/http://www.mysouthwestga.com/news/story.aspx?id=817280#.UsNz5ij3C3U|url-status=live}} Carter gave out the Georgia Paraprofessional Caregiver of the Year, Volunteer Caregiver of the Year, Family Caregiver of the Year, and an award with her namesake, the Rosalynn Carter Leadership in Caregiving Award later that day and expressed happiness in the amount of progress that had been made "since we started."{{cite news|url=http://www.mysouthwestga.com/news/story.aspx?id=820102|title=Rosalynn Carter Institute honors caregivers|date=November 1, 2012|publisher=Fox31Online|access-date=January 1, 2014|archive-date=April 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421053730/http://www.mysouthwestga.com/news/story.aspx?id=820102#.UsN1xCj3C3U|url-status=live}}

File:Carter LBJ 586.jpg

On April 25, 2013, Carter attended the dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum with her husband and other former first ladies and presidents. In October 2013, Carter spoke about her confidence in the American people and her lack of confidence in the government on the issue of the income gap in the United States.{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/10/08/jimmy-carter-middle-class/2941391/|title=Carter: Middle class today resembles past's poor|date=October 8, 2013|work=USA Today|access-date=September 11, 2017|archive-date=July 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729175831/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/10/08/jimmy-carter-middle-class/2941391/|url-status=live}} Carter saw "one of the greatest disappointments" corrected in November 2013 when Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that the Obama administration had passed a mental health insurance rule.{{cite news|url=http://www.politico.com/story/2013/12/rosalynn-carter-mental-health-insurance-100798.html|title=Rosalynn Carter: W.H. fixes mental health gap|date=December 6, 2013|work=Politico|first=Jose|last=DelReal|access-date=December 31, 2013|archive-date=December 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218110224/http://www.politico.com/story/2013/12/rosalynn-carter-mental-health-insurance-100798.html|url-status=live}} She said she was "shaking" upon learning that the new government rules required equal treatment for mental health care.{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/onpolitics/2013/12/09/rosalynn-carter-mental-health-first-lady-c-span/3925733/|title=Rosalynn Carter: Being first lady a 'great soap box'|date=December 9, 2013|work=USA Today|first=Catalina|last=Camia|access-date=September 11, 2017|archive-date=December 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223215630/https://www.usatoday.com/story/onpolitics/2013/12/09/rosalynn-carter-mental-health-first-lady-c-span/3925733/|url-status=live}} She and her husband were saddened by the death of Nelson Mandela.{{cite news|url=http://www.ajc.com/news/news/statement-former-president-jimmy-carter/ncCpD/|title=Statement from former President Jimmy Carter on Nelson Mandela's death|date=December 5, 2013|publisher=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|access-date=December 31, 2013|archive-date=January 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101065003/http://www.ajc.com/news/news/statement-former-president-jimmy-carter/ncCpD/|url-status=live}}

In 2013, Rosalynn traveled to the neighborhood of Queens Village in New York City to help with 5 housing construction projects. Jimmy Carter, Chip Carter, and Chip's wife Becky also traveled to New York with her to volunteer.{{cite web | url=https://www.qchron.com/editions/queenswide/queens-remembers-jimmy-carter-100/article_dfb35677-62eb-5fc8-b34f-f29d1d63e29f.html | title=Queens remembers Jimmy Carter, 100 | date=January 2, 2025 }}

In August 2015, Jimmy announced his cancer diagnosis, stating that it had spread throughout his body.{{cite news | url=https://www.cnbc.com/2015/08/12/former-president-jimmy-carter-reveals-he-has-cancer.html | title=Former President Jimmy Carter reveals he has cancer | publisher=CNBC | date=August 12, 2015 | access-date=August 12, 2015 | last=Pramuk | first=Jacob | location=New York City | archive-date=August 12, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150812221113/http://www.cnbc.com/2015/08/12/former-president-jimmy-carter-reveals-he-has-cancer.html | url-status=live }} At the time of the announcement, Betty Pope, cousin of the former president, attested to Rosalynn's strength and voiced her belief that the former first lady would remain committed to her husband.{{cite news|url=http://www.people.com/article/jimmy-carter-cancer-fight-wife-rosalynn-helping-cope|title=Jimmy Carter's Cancer Fight: Wife Rosalynn Is 'Scared' But 'Right There with Him," Friends and Family Say|date=August 15, 2015|access-date=November 21, 2015|archive-date=November 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121150009/http://www.people.com/article/jimmy-carter-cancer-fight-wife-rosalynn-helping-cope|url-status=live}} Carter made her first public comments about the illness a month later in September, saying, "In spite of what's going on, it's been kind of wonderful just to know we have that kind of support, and also Jimmy's attitude is helping."{{cite news|url=http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/rosalynn-carter-gets-emotional-over-former-preside/nnf72/|title=Rosalynn Carter gets emotional over Jimmy's cancer diagnosis|date=September 16, 2015|publisher=WSB-TV|access-date=November 21, 2015|archive-date=November 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121083632/http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/rosalynn-carter-gets-emotional-over-former-preside/nnf72/|url-status=dead}} In November 2015, she and her husband traveled to Memphis, Tennessee where they assisted in construction for the town's Habitat for Humanity affiliate.{{cite news|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/news/2015/11/02/president-carter-visits-memphis-for-habitat-for.html|title=President Carter visits Memphis for Habitat for Humanity, promises to return next year|date=November 2, 2015|work=Memphis Business Journal|access-date=November 21, 2015|archive-date=November 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120005405/https://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/news/2015/11/02/president-carter-visits-memphis-for-habitat-for.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2015/oct/31/jimmy-and-rosalynn-carter-coming-to-memphis-for-habitat-for-humanity-build/|title=Jimmy, Rosalynn Carter Coming to Memphis for Habitat for Humanity Build|date=October 31, 2015|publisher=Memphis Daily News|access-date=November 21, 2015|archive-date=November 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151122101024/http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2015/oct/31/jimmy-and-rosalynn-carter-coming-to-memphis-for-habitat-for-humanity-build/|url-status=live}}

In January 2016, Jimmy Carter confirmed that he was having regular treatments and said of Rosalynn at the time, "Her support has helped me through the last 69 years since we've been married in everything I've ever tried. Of course, when I was ill and thought I might die at any time, she was there for me."{{cite news|url=https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/266916-carter-on-cancer-fight-im-still-taking-treatments-regularly/|title=Carter on cancer fight: 'I'm still taking treatments regularly'|date=January 25, 2016|work=The Hill|first=Mark|last=Hensch|access-date=February 1, 2016|archive-date=January 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130040923/http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/266916-carter-on-cancer-fight-im-still-taking-treatments-regularly|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.etonline.com/news/180767_former_president_jimmy_carter_says_he_not_cancer_free_i_m_still_taking_treatments/|title=Former President Jimmy Carter Says He's Not Cancer-Free: 'I'm Still Taking Treatments'|first=Zach|last=Seemayer|publisher=Entertainment Tonight|date=January 24, 2016|access-date=February 1, 2016|archive-date=February 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201091614/http://www.etonline.com/news/180767_former_president_jimmy_carter_says_he_not_cancer_free_i_m_still_taking_treatments/|url-status=live}} Carter attended the March 11, 2016, funeral of Nancy Reagan at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/12/us/politics/nancy-reagan-funeral.html | title=At Nancy Reagan's Funeral, Honoring the Queen of a Republican Camelot | first=Alessandra | last=Stanley | newspaper=The New York Times | date=March 11, 2016 | access-date=May 21, 2016 | archive-date=June 15, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160615211216/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/12/us/politics/nancy-reagan-funeral.html | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=http://www.vanityfair.com/news/2016/03/nancy-reagan-funeral#15 | title=Nancy Reagan's Funeral: 'God Bless America,' White Roses, and a Red Adolfo Suit | first=Bob | last=Colacello | magazine=Vanity Fair | date=March 17, 2016 | access-date=May 21, 2016 | archive-date=May 29, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529014037/http://www.vanityfair.com/news/2016/03/nancy-reagan-funeral#15 | url-status=live }} In July 2016, Carter endorsed Proposition 62, which would abolish the death penalty in California, releasing a joint statement with her husband in support of the measure.{{cite news|url=https://latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-sac-essential-politics-updates-jimmy-and-rosalynn-carter-express-1469135088-htmlstory.html|title=Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter express support for anti-death penalty proposition|first=Jazmine|last=Ulloa|work=Los Angeles Times|date=July 30, 2016|access-date=December 7, 2019|archive-date=June 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614193335/https://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-sac-essential-politics-updates-jimmy-and-rosalynn-carter-express-1469135088-htmlstory.html|url-status=live}} She voted for Bernie Sanders in the Democratic presidential primary of that year. Carter differed from her husband in believing Russia had interfered with determining the results of the general election.{{cite news|url=https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/356634-jimmy-carter-russians-didnt-steal-election-from-hillary-clinton/|title=Jimmy Carter: Russians didn't steal election from Hillary Clinton|first=Julia|last=Manchester|date=October 22, 2017|work=The Hill|access-date=October 28, 2017|archive-date=October 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029013237/http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/356634-jimmy-carter-russians-didnt-steal-election-from-hillary-clinton|url-status=live}} Upon the death of Barbara Bush on April 17, 2018, Carter became the oldest living former first lady. On October 17, 2019, she became the longest-married former first lady.{{cite web|url=http://www.firstladies.org/biographies/firstladies.aspx?biography=42|title=First Lady Biography: Barbara Bush|publisher=National First Ladies Library|access-date=December 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303162751/http://www.firstladies.org/biographies/firstladies.aspx?biography=42|archive-date=March 3, 2009|url-status=dead }}

In July 2021, the Carters celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary, becoming the first presidential couple to do so.{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2021/07/11/jimmy-and-rosalynn-carter-celebrate-75th-anniversary-bash/7930189002/|title=Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter mark 75 years of marriage with party for 300|work=USA Today|agency=Associated Press|date=July 11, 2021|access-date=July 11, 2021|location=Plains, Georgia|archive-date=July 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711150727/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2021/07/11/jimmy-and-rosalynn-carter-celebrate-75th-anniversary-bash/7930189002/|url-status=live}}

Image:Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter receive Presidential Medal of Freedom.jpg awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter at the Carter Center, 1999]]

In 1999, Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.{{cite web|last=Secretary of the Senate, United States Congress|title=Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipients|url=https://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/reference/two_column_table/Presidential_Medal_of_Freedom_Recipients.htm|access-date=November 14, 2011|work=Official Website of the United States Senate|publisher=United States Senate (Government of the United States)|archive-date=July 14, 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040714130038/http://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/reference/two_column_table/Presidential_Medal_of_Freedom_Recipients.htm|url-status=live}}

In 2001, Carter was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, New York. She became the third first lady inducted into the Hall of Fame, joining Abigail Adams and Eleanor Roosevelt.{{cite web|url=https://www.womenofthehall.org/women-of-the-hall/page/2/|title=Discover Women of the Hall|website=National Women's Hall of Fame|access-date=November 19, 2023|archive-date=November 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120005527/https://www.womenofthehall.org/women-of-the-hall/page/2/|url-status=live}}

Among Carter's many other awards for service are:

• Dorothea Dix Award, Mental Illness Foundation, 1988{{cite web | url=https://www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov/about_us/biography_of_rosalynn_carter | title=Biography of Rosalynn Carter – About Us – the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum | access-date=June 27, 2022 | archive-date=May 20, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520205241/https://www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov/about_us/biography_of_rosalynn_carter | url-status=live }}
• Jefferson Award for Greatest Public Service Benefiting the Disadvantaged, 1996{{cite web |url=http://www.jeffersonawards.org/pastwinners/national |title=Jefferson Awards FoundationNational – Jefferson Awards Foundation |publisher=Jeffersonawards.org |access-date=September 7, 2016 |archive-date=November 24, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124043935/http://jeffersonawards.org/pastwinners/national |url-status=dead }}
• Rhoda and Bernard Sarnat International Prize in Mental Health, Institute of Medicine, 2000{{cite web|url=https://nam.edu/past-recipients-sarnat-prize/|title=The Rhoda and Bernard Sarnat International Prize in Mental Health – Past Recipients|publisher=National Academy of Sciences|accessdate=September 22, 2020|archive-date=June 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604045037/https://nam.edu/past-recipients-sarnat-prize/|url-status=live}}
• American Peace Award along with Jimmy Carter, 2009[http://americanpeaceaward.org/recipient09.html The American Peace Award] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513162113/http://americanpeaceaward.org/recipient09.html |date=May 13, 2011 }}. The American Peace Award. Retrieved April 26, 2012.{{cite news|url=http://www.mysouthwestga.com/news/story.aspx?id=352471|title=Carter, former first lady to get peace award|date=August 21, 2009|publisher=Fox31Online|access-date=January 1, 2014|archive-date=January 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101080550/http://www.mysouthwestga.com/news/story.aspx?id=352471#.UsN3fCj3C3U|url-status=live}}

Carter received honorary degrees from the following institutions:

• LL.D., University of Notre Dame, 1987{{Cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=Dirk |date=May 18, 1987 |title=Commencements: University of Notre Dame: After 35 Years as President, Hesburgh Retires |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/05/18/nyregion/commencements-university-notre-dame-after-35-years-president-hesburgh-retires.html |access-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110183942/http://www.nytimes.com/1987/05/18/nyregion/commencements-university-notre-dame-after-35-years-president-hesburgh-retires.html |url-status=live }}
• D.Litt., Emory University, 1991{{cite web|url=https://secretary.emory.edu/meet_the_secretary/honorary_degrees/_includes/documents/sections/recipients/honorary-degrees-to-present.pdf|title=Chronological Listing of Honorary Degree Recipients Emory University 1846–present|website=Emory University|access-date=November 19, 2023|archive-date=March 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321200116/https://secretary.emory.edu/meet_the_secretary/honorary_degrees/_includes/documents/sections/recipients/honorary-degrees-to-present.pdf|url-status=live}}
• L.H.D., Georgia Southwestern State University, 2001{{cite web|url=https://www.gsw.edu/alumni/distinguished/rosalynn-carter|title=Rosalynn Carter|website=Georgia Southwestern State University|access-date=November 19, 2023|archive-date=November 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120010304/https://www.gsw.edu/alumni/distinguished/rosalynn-carter|url-status=live}}
• Queen's University, 2012{{Cite web|url=https://www.thewhig.com/2012/11/21/carters-at-queens-for-honourary-degrees/wcm/2a068b1b-2ecc-7af5-a89d-c1ce44ef766b/amp/|title=Carters at Queen's for honorary degrees | The Kingston Whig Standard|access-date=November 19, 2023|archive-date=November 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120005909/https://www.thewhig.com/2012/11/21/carters-at-queens-for-honourary-degrees/wcm/2a068b1b-2ecc-7af5-a89d-c1ce44ef766b/amp/|url-status=live}}

Carter served as distinguished centennial lecturer at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia, from 1988 to 1992.{{cite web|url=https://emorywheel.com/rosalynn-carter-dies-leaving-behind-40-year-legacy-with-emory/|title=Rosalynn Carter dies, leaving behind 40-year legacy with Emory|last=Oliver|first=Madi|date=November 19, 2023|website=The Emory Wheel|access-date=November 19, 2023|archive-date=November 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120005907/https://emorywheel.com/rosalynn-carter-dies-leaving-behind-40-year-legacy-with-emory/|url-status=live}} She was a Distinguished Fellow at the Emory University Department of Women's Studies in Atlanta from 1989 to 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.emory.edu/central/NEWS/Releases/irish1069875338.html|title=Former Irish President to Speak at Emory|date=November 26, 2003|website=Emory University|access-date=November 19, 2023|archive-date=November 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120005908/https://www.emory.edu/central/NEWS/Releases/irish1069875338.html|url-status=live}}

Carter wrote five books:

• First Lady from Plains (autobiography), 1984, {{ISBN|1-55728-355-9}}
• Everything to Gain: Making the Most of the Rest of Your Life (with Jimmy Carter), 1987, {{ISBN|1-55728-388-5}}
• Helping Yourself Help Others: A Book for Caregivers (with Susan K. Golant), 1994, {{ISBN|0-8129-2591-2}}
• Helping Someone with Mental Illness: A Compassionate Guide for Family, Friends, and Caregivers (with Susan K. Golant), 1998, {{ISBN|0-8129-2898-9}}
• Within Our Reach: Ending the Mental Health Crisis (with Susan K. Golant and Kathryn E. Cade), 2010, {{ISBN|978-1-59486-881-8}}

{{reflist|30em}}

Portions of this article are based on public domain text from:

• {{cite web |title=Rosalynn Carter Biography |url=http://www.ibiblio.org/lia/president/CarterLibrary/GeneralMaterials/Biographies/RosalynnCarter-bio.html |website=ibiblio.org |access-date=August 18, 2020 }}

• {{cite book |last1=Caroli |first1=Betty Boyd |author-link=Betty Boyd Caroli|title=First Ladies: From Martha Washington to Michelle Obama |date=2010 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-975282-9 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fKcXxv2pqfYC}}
• {{cite book |first=Jimmy |last=Carter |title=Beyond the White House: Waging Peace, Fighting Disease, Building Hope |url=https://archive.org/details/beyondwhitehouse00cart |url-access=registration |author-link=Jimmy Carter |year=2008 |publisher=Simon & Schuster |isbn=978-1416558811}}
• {{cite book |first=Jimmy |last=Carter |title=White House Diary |publisher=Farrar, Straus and Giroux |year=2010 |isbn=978-0374280994 |url=https://archive.org/details/whitehousediary00jimm }}
• {{cite book |first=Rosalynn |last=Carter |title=First Lady from Plains |year=1994 |publisher=University of Arkansas Press |isbn=978-1557283559}}
• {{cite book |first=Earl Clark |last=Coleman |title=Welcome Back, Carter: 2004 Democratic Presidential Poll Winner |year=2004 |publisher=1st Book Library |isbn=978-1414032009}}
• {{cite book |first=Beverly |last=Gherman |title=Jimmy Carter |year=2003 |publisher=Lerner Pub Group |isbn=978-0822508168}}
• {{cite book |first=E. Stanley |last=Godbold |title=Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter: The Georgia Years, 1924–1974 |url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780199753444 |url-access=registration |year=2010 |publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-975344-4 }}
• {{cite book |first=Bruce Lubotsky |last=Levin |title=A Public Health Perspective of Women's Mental Health |year=2010 |publisher=Springer |isbn=978-1441915252}}
• {{cite book |first=Rae |last=Lindsay |title=The Presidents' First Ladies |year=2001 |publisher=Gilmour House |isbn=978-0965375337 |url=https://archive.org/details/presidentsfirstl0000lind_y6w5 }}
• {{cite book |first=Kati |last=Marton |title=Hidden Power: Presidential Marriages That Shaped Our History |year=2002 |publisher=Anchor |isbn=978-0385721882}}
• {{cite book |first=Cormac |last=O'Brien |title=Secret Lives of the First Ladies: What Your Teachers Never Told You About the Women of the White House |year=2005 |publisher=Quirk Books |isbn=978-1594740145 |url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9781594740145}}
• {{cite book |first=Peter |last=Ronayne |title=Never Again?: The United States and the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide since the Holocaust |year=2001 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield Publishers |isbn=978-0742509221}}
• {{cite book |first=Bernard |last=Ryan |title=Jimmy Carter: U.S. President and Humanitarian |year=2006 |publisher=Ferguson Pub |isbn=978-0816059034 |url=https://archive.org/details/jimmycarteruspre0000ryan }}
• {{cite book |first=Robert P. |last=Watson |title=Laura Bush: The Report to the First Lady: 2005 |year=2005 |publisher=Nova Science Publishers |isbn=978-1594542909}}

{{Commons}}

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• [https://rosalynncarter.org/ Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving]
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