Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, the beloved wife of President Jimmy Carter, has passed away at the age of 96, leaving behind an enduring legacy of love, partnership, and dedicated public service. The Carter Center announced her peaceful passing on Sunday, occurring just days after she had entered hospice care at her home in Georgia.

Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter celebrated an extraordinary union that spanned over 75 years, surpassing any other couple to have graced the White House with their presence. In a statement, President Carter expressed the profound impact his wife had on his life, referring to her as his equal partner in all his accomplishments. He acknowledged her wise guidance and unwavering support throughout their journey together, emphasizing his gratitude for having someone who loved and believed in him.

Rosalynn Carter stood by her husband's side during significant milestones, including his inauguration as the 39th President of the United States in 1977. She played a crucial role as a source of support when his presidency was tested by the prolonged hostage crisis at the U.S. Embassy in Iran and the subsequent heavy defeat to Ronald Reagan in his bid for re-election.

As the Carters entered the twilight of their remarkable love story, they found solace in the embrace of their family. With four children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren, their home was filled with love and support, providing comfort in their final days. Their grandson, Jason Carter, who chairs The Carter Center's governing board, took to Twitter in February to highlight the peace and love encompassing the household.

Jimmy Carter, a former commanding officer of a Navy submarine, often referred to his wife as his "secret weapon." From the campaign trail to their private life, Rosalynn was his rock, and their intertwined journey was an adventure they both cherished. In a 2015 interview at The Carter Center, Jimmy Carter spoke of his marriage with Rosalynn as the pinnacle of his life, emphasizing that marrying her was the best decision he ever made.

The love story between Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter had humble beginnings, rooted in their hometown of Plains, Georgia. Although they knew each other since childhood, it wasn't until they were teenagers that Rosalynn caught Jimmy's eye. While he was away at the Naval Academy, fate brought them together when he picked her up for a date during a visit home.

On July 7, 1946, they exchanged vows and embarked on a journey that took them around the world while Jimmy served as a submarine officer. After leaving the Navy in 1953, they returned to Plains, where they cultivated their family's peanut-growing farm and became actively involved in politics, championing the fight against racial segregation and supporting the Civil Rights movement.

Rosalynn Carter further expanded her influence when her husband ran for the presidency in 1975, acting as his chief advisor and confidant throughout his presidency. She played an instrumental role during landmark events such as the Camp David Accords and the Iranian hostage crisis, earning her the title of Jimmy's "secret weapon."

Following Jimmy Carter's departure from the Oval Office, the couple did not rest on their laurels. Instead, they dedicated their time and energy to humanitarian work, joining forces with Habitat for Humanity to build homes for those in need. Their shared love for bird-watching and fly-fishing brought them joy, even leading them to create a fly-fishing pond on their Georgia property.

The enduring love story of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter serves as a testament to the power of partnership, commitment, and mutual respect. As the nation mourns the loss of an incredible woman, Rosalynn Carter's legacy of love and dedication to public service will continue to inspire generations to come.