Rosalynn Carter, the wife of former President Jimmy Carter, has died. She was 96 years old. Carter died on November 19th at her home in Plains, Georgia, per the Washington Post.

Last Friday, it was revealed that Carter had entered hospice care at her residence. This development followed her husband’s ongoing end-of-life care, which began in February. Remarkably, the Carters celebrated a 77-year-long marriage, establishing them as the longest-married presidential couple in U.S. history.

In her final months, the 96-year-old former First Lady grappled with dementia. Meanwhile, her 99-year-old husband transitioned to hospice care at home earlier this year. Despite his age, sources close to the former president attest to his continued alertness.

Carter is survived by her children, Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy, as well as 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Rosalynn Carter Made An Impact on the World

In her earlier years, Rosalynn Carter emerged as a prominent champion for mental health care, directing her efforts toward empowering caregivers across America. Throughout her husband’s tenure, she played a pivotal role in advancing crucial healthcare legislation. Even after her departure from the White House, Carter remained committed to making a lasting impact.

One notable contribution was the establishment of a journalism fellowship dedicated to providing in-depth coverage of mental health issues. Her relentless advocacy extended beyond borders as she worked globally, assisting developing nations in addressing their insufficient mental health resources.

For an extended period, Carter tirelessly emphasized the urgency of diminishing the stigma surrounding mental health. Decades later, her advocacy persisted as she continued to champion equitable treatment and insurance coverage for mental health within the U.S. healthcare system.

During the late 1970s, at the zenith of the Carters’ political influence, Rosalynn earned the moniker “the Steel Magnolia” from the Washington press corps.