Rosalynn Carter, the former first lady of the United States, has passed away at the age of 96. The Carter Center announced her death, stating that she died peacefully with her family by her side at her home in Plains, Georgia. Former President Jimmy Carter, her husband of 75 years, expressed his deep appreciation for Rosalynn's unwavering support and guidance throughout their lives together.

Born on August 18, 1927, in Plains, Georgia, Rosalynn Smith grew up as the oldest of four children. At the age of 18, she began dating Jimmy Carter, who was a Naval Academy midshipman and the brother of her close friend. The couple got married on July 7, 1946, at the Plains Methodist Church, their childhood congregation. They went on to have four children together.

Rosalynn played a crucial role in managing the Carter household while Jimmy served in the Navy's nuclear submarine program, reaching the rank of lieutenant commander. She also became heavily involved in the family's farm warehouse operations, eventually surpassing Jimmy's knowledge in the business. Her dedication and knowledge of farming would prove instrumental in their political campaigns.

In 1966, Rosalynn started campaigning on her own during Jimmy's first run for Georgia governor. Although he lost that race, their strategy of campaigning separately paid off in subsequent years, leading to Jimmy's election as governor in 1970 and eventually to his presidency in 1976. Rosalynn played a key role in the groundbreaking "Peanut Brigade," a group of family, friends, and supporters who spread out across key nominating states during Jimmy's presidential campaign.

On January 20, 1977, Rosalynn Carter made history as the newly sworn-in first lady when she and her family chose to walk down Pennsylvania Avenue rather than ride in an armored limousine during the Inauguration Day festivities. She also enrolled her daughter, Amy, in a majority-Black public school in Washington, D.C., making a statement about racial equality.

During her time as first lady, Rosalynn Carter focused on mental health advocacy, serving as the honorary chairperson of the President's Commission on Mental Health. She championed better understanding and treatment for the mentally ill and traveled extensively to promote mental health initiatives. Her dedication to this cause led to the establishment of the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers and the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism.

Even after leaving the White House, Rosalynn Carter continued to be an influential figure, co-founding The Carter Center in Atlanta with her husband in 1982. The center's mission was to resolve conflicts, protect human rights, advocate for democracy, and prevent disease worldwide. She also became involved in Habitat for Humanity, regularly participating in the organization's work projects.

Rosalynn Carter's impact and dedication to public service were recognized with numerous accolades throughout her life, including being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton in 1999. Her partnership with Jimmy Carter was not only the longest presidential marriage in U.S. history but also one of unparalleled strength and support.

Rosalynn Carter's passing marks the end of an era for American politics and philanthropy. Her legacy as a trailblazing first lady and advocate for mental health will forever be remembered.