President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden are set to travel to Atlanta next week to pay their respects and participate in a tribute service for the late former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. This solemn event will bring together dignitaries and well-wishers to celebrate the remarkable life and contributions of Mrs. Carter, who passed away at the age of 96.
The service, scheduled for Tuesday, will also be attended by Vice President Kamala Harris and the second gentleman. It is one of several ceremonies planned to commemorate Rosalynn Carter’s legacy. Members of the public will have the opportunity to pay their respects as the former first lady lies in repose at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum on Monday. The tribute service itself will be held at Glenn Memorial Church at Emory University and is specifically intended for invited guests. A funeral service for family and close friends will take place on Wednesday at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, as outlined in the schedule provided by the Carter Center.
President Biden, speaking to reporters following Rosalynn Carter’s passing, praised the Carter family for their exceptional grace and contributions to the nation. He acknowledged that they had made an indelible mark on the office of the presidency and the world through their humanitarian efforts and public service.
Rosalynn Carter, during her tenure as first lady, left an enduring legacy by championing the cause of mental health awareness and advocacy. Her work focused on reducing the stigma surrounding mental illnesses and advocating for equitable access to mental health treatment. Alongside her husband, former President Jimmy Carter, the couple redefined the role of post-presidency by founding the Carter Center. Together, they embarked on journeys to various global hotspots, including Cuba, Sudan, and North Korea, where they monitored elections and worked tirelessly to combat neglected tropical diseases like Guinea worm disease. Rosalynn Carter’s passion and dedication to these causes have left an indelible mark on the world.
In the final stages of her life, Rosalynn Carter entered hospice care at the couple’s home in Plains, Georgia, after being diagnosed with dementia in May. Former President Jimmy Carter had already started home hospice care in February, following a series of hospitalizations. The Carter family’s legacy of service and compassion continues to inspire and uplift people around the world.