Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter Honored at Tribute Service Attended by Prominent Figures

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
28/11/2023 23h01

A tribute service was held on Tuesday to celebrate the life of Rosalynn Carter, the former first lady who passed away on Sunday. The event, attended by politicians, public figures, and prominent personalities, took place at the Glenn Memorial church in Atlanta, Georgia.

The 99-year-old former president, Jimmy Carter, made a rare public appearance to attend the tribute for his late wife of 77 years. Despite being in home hospice care for the past 10 months, President Carter traveled from his residence to the church for the memorial service.

The tribute began in the afternoon, following a funeral motorcade which transported Rosalynn's casket from the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, where the former first lady laid in repose. Military guards facilitated the transportation of the casket to Glenn Memorial church.

During the service, heartfelt tributes were delivered by various individuals close to Rosalynn. Journalist Judy Woodruff, longtime aide and friend Kathryn Cade, as well as Rosalynn's children and grandchildren, honored her memory.

One of Rosalynn's grandchildren, Jason, spoke passionately about his grandmother's advocacy for better mental health care. He highlighted her remarkable 50-year climb in tackling the issues of mental illness and its associated stigma. Jason emphasized how her efforts had impacted and saved lives, including those within their own family.

Her children, Amy and James (known as "Chip"), also paid tribute to their mother. Chip credited Rosalynn as the glue that held the Carter family together during difficult times and even stated, "She saved my life." Amy, meanwhile, shared a touching love letter that President Carter had written to Rosalynn during his time in the navy, emphasizing the enduring partnership and love story between the couple.

The tribute service also included the participation of Rosalynn's other grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who read selections from the Bible.

Notably, all living former first ladies were present at the invitation-only service. Political figures like Joe Biden, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Kamala Harris, and Douglas Emhoff were also in attendance, although they did not deliver remarks.

While former presidents Donald Trump, Barack Obama, and George W. Bush were invited to the tribute, they did not attend, according to the Associated Press.

The public had the opportunity to pay their respects to Rosalynn at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum on Monday. Besides the tribute service, a funeral for family and invited friends will take place on Wednesday in Plains, Georgia, the hometown of the Carters.

Rosalynn Carter, who passed away at the age of 96 at her Georgia home, was widely recognized for her commitment to public service and her advocacy for mental health. Throughout her time as first lady, she actively championed the belief that mental health was an integral part of overall well-being and a fundamental human right. Additionally, Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter supported various humanitarian causes, including their involvement with Habitat for Humanity.

President Carter released a statement last week expressing his deep love and gratitude for his late wife, stating that she had been his equal partner in every accomplishment, offering him guidance and support throughout their lives together.

The tribute service served as a fitting tribute to a remarkable woman who dedicated herself to service and transcended her role as a first lady. Rosalynn Carter's legacy will undoubtedly endure as a shining example of compassion, advocacy, and love.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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