Rosalynn Carter, the activist former First Lady who transformed the role of the presidential spouse, passed away at the age of 96 at her home in Plains, Georgia. While she only spent four years in the White House, her influence on the position of First Lady reverberates to this day. Carter's ambitions went beyond hosting state dinners, as she paved the way for a more enduring and impactful role for presidential spouses. She believed that the First Lady's role had changed and would never be just a hostess and tea pourer.

Carter was a true partner to her husband, former President Jimmy Carter, and played an instrumental role in his accomplishments. She was a shrewd judge of character and politics, offering her unvarnished counsel and influencing his decision-making. Although she never reached the international stature of Eleanor Roosevelt or the political heights of Hillary Rodham Clinton, Carter's impact on the role of the First Lady was significant.

Anita B. McBride, who served as chief of staff to Laura Bush, credited Carter with expanding and formalizing the modern First Lady's office, a structure that still exists today. Carter established a formal Office of the First Lady with an 18-person staff in the East Wing of the White House. She attended cabinet meetings, testified before Congress, and had weekly lunches with her husband to discuss policy issues.

Carter's influence extended beyond her own personal causes, such as increasing access to mental health services. She weighed in on domestic and international affairs, offering advice on various issues. She even inspired and assisted in her husband's landmark Camp David meetings that brokered peace between Israel and Egypt.

Carter's activism set a new standard for the role of the First Lady. While her successors may not all be considered activists, they have all retained the office, staff, and platform that she established. Michelle Obama, in particular, expressed her gratitude for Carter's support and generosity during her own time as First Lady.

Carter's legacy was not without controversy, as she sometimes kept her distance from her successors. Nancy Reagan recalled feeling a "chill in her manner" during a visit to the White House. Barbara Bush also noted that she didn't believe Carter and Nancy Reagan liked each other very much. However, current First Lady Dr. Jill Biden has shown her admiration and support for Carter, visiting her and her husband shortly after moving into the White House.

Despite facing criticism and doubts about her credentials, Carter proved herself to be a thoroughly modern First Lady. She sat in on cabinet meetings and was far more assertive in promoting her husband's policies and priorities than her public presence suggested. She overcame her initial shyness and became an accomplished public speaker.

After leaving the White House, Carter continued to lead a public life, promoting mental health causes and founding the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving. The loss of the 1980 election to Ronald Reagan deeply affected both Carters, with Rosalynn attributing Reagan's victory to making people comfortable with their prejudices.

Rosalynn Carter's impact on the role of the First Lady cannot be understated. She expanded and formalized the modern First Lady's office, leaving a lasting legacy for her successors. Her activism and advocacy set a new standard for the position, and her influence is still felt today.