Rosalynn Carter and Jimmy Carter had spent virtually their entire lives together since first meeting as children in the town of Plains, Georgia.
It was fitting, then, that the pair were with one another during the final hours of Rosalynn’s life on Saturday, November 19. The former First Lady’s death was no huge surprise – she was 96 after all – but her time on Earth has been widely celebrated by thousands since her passing.
New details have emerged regarding how Rosalynn spent her last day of life, and the decision Jimmy made during her final hours. Suffice it to say, it makes for tear-jerking reading.
On Sunday, the Carter Center confirmed the passing of Rosalynn Cater, who had entered hospice care late last week, six months after being diagnosed with dementia.
Tributes for the former First Lady – who leaves behind an extensive track record of stellar humanitarian work – have flooded the internet. Rosalynn is expected to be buried next Wednesday, November 29.
According to reports, the 96-year-old passed away at her home in Plains, Georgia at 2:10 p.m. on November 19. The former First Lady served in the White House alongside her husband between 1977 and 1981 but continued to carry out humanitarian work in the years following through the Carter Center.
Sadly, both Rosalynn and Jimmy’s health waned over the course of the past year. Jimmy Carter entered hospice care back in February after turning down medical intervention for a number of health issues.
Last week, Rosalynn joined her husband half a year after being diagnosed with dementia. Yet a mere two days after doing so, Rosalynn’s health continued to deteriorate after she picked up an infection that antibiotics failed to fight.
As per new reports, Jimmy sat in his wheelchair by her bed, but soon made the heartbreaking decision to send others out of the room so that he could be alone with his love.
“My father told her he loved her and thanked her for all the wonderful things she had done,” said James E. “Chip” Carter III, who was in his parents’ bedroom with other family members. “Then he asked us to leave so he could be alone with her.”
Chip said that 99-year-old Jimmy sat for around half an hour holding his wife’s hand.
“I’m sure he prayed,” Chip explained.
It’s said that late on Saturday evening, Jimmy was moved into his own hospice bed, which was then placed beside his wife’s so that the couple – married some 77 years – could talk to one another.
Tragically, though, by Sunday morning, Rosalynn had lost the power of speech. Later that day, her long and inspiring life came to an end.
“Tears came out of his eyes,” Chip said of his father.
Following his wife’s passing, Jimmy spent time with the pastor who had served at Maranatha Baptist Church, which the Carters attended before their health began to fail.
Jimmy himself, of course, has faced a number of health issues in recent years. Now 99, the former president moved into hospice care in February, after the popular statesman had a series of short hospital stays.
As per BBC, Carter’s foundation announced at the time that Carter would end medical treatment and enter hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia.
“He has the full support of his family and his medical team. The Carter family asks for privacy during this time and is grateful for the concern shown by his many admirers,” the Center said.
After Rosalynn’s passing, Jimmy’s touching statement read:
“Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished,” Jimmy’s statement read.
“She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me.”
Rest in peace, Rosalynn Carter, and thank you for all you’ve done!
