Rosalynn Carter

Rose Carter, official color photo, 1977-cropped

Rosalynn Carter (born Eleanor Rosalynn Smith on August 18, 1927) is an American advocate for mental health, caregiver support, and public health. She served as the First Lady of the United States from 1977 to 1981, as the wife of the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter. Rosalynn Carter is known for her advocacy work both during and after her time in the White House, particularly in the field of mental health.

Early Life

Rosalynn was born in Plains, Georgia, to Wilburn Edgar Smith and Frances Allethea Murray. She grew up in a close-knit family and was deeply influenced by her small-town upbringing. Rosalynn attended Georgia Southwestern College, where she studied psychology, a field that would inform much of her later work.

Marriage and Family

Rosalynn married Jimmy Carter on July 7, 1946. The couple had four children: John William "Jack", James Earl "Chip" III, Donnel Jeffrey "Jeff", and Amy Lynn. Throughout Jimmy Carter's political career, Rosalynn was an active campaigner and played a significant role in his election as Governor of Georgia and later as President.

First Lady of the United States

As First Lady, Rosalynn Carter focused on mental health issues, a cause she championed throughout her husband's term. She was instrumental in the passage of the Mental Health Systems Act of 1980, which aimed to improve the provision of mental health services in the United States. Rosalynn also worked on issues related to the elderly and community volunteering, and she represented the United States on numerous trips abroad.

Post-White House Activities

After leaving the White House, Rosalynn Carter continued her advocacy work, focusing on mental health, caregiving, and early childhood immunization. She is the co-founder of The Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia, an organization dedicated to advancing human rights and alleviating human suffering. Within The Carter Center, she leads the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers, which supports individuals caring for loved ones with chronic illnesses or disabilities.

Legacy

Rosalynn Carter's contributions to mental health advocacy and her support for caregivers have had a lasting impact on public health policies and awareness. Her work has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, reflecting her significant contributions to American society and beyond.

See Also

• Jimmy Carter
• First Lady of the United States
• Mental health advocacy
• The Carter Center

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