The museum of Abraham Lincoln paid tribute to former first lady Rosalynn Carter and noted that she often spoke of Lincoln’s bouts of depression as as she advocated for better mental health care in the United States.
Former President Barack Obama said Mrs. Carter’s life will be remembered for the lives she touched.
Organizations and museums linked to former presidents are taking to social media to honor Mrs. Carter, who died in Plains Nov. 19 at age 96. The museums of Gerald Ford and Franklin Roosevelt joined the Carter Center in asking visitors to sign a book of condolences ahead of memorial services for Mrs. Carter that began on Monday.
The library of Ronald Reagan, who defeated Jimmy Carter in 1980, shared a 1986 photo of Mrs. Carter and Nancy Reagan from the dedication of the Carter Presidential Library in Atlanta.
The Dwight Eisenhower library shared a Facebook post from the National Archives that gave tribute to Mrs. Carter’s long work on improving the treatment of mental health.
The library of Franklin D. Roosevelt invited the public to sign a condolences book that will be sent to the Carter family. Roosevelt was long associated with rural Georgia because of his Little White House in Warm Springs, about 70 miles northwest of Mrs. Carter’s home in Plains. Roosevelt was visiting his Georgia home when he died in 1945.
The Barack Obama library shared a photo of Mrs. Carter with Michelle Obama and other former first ladies from the funeral of Betty Ford in 2011. The Obama Foundation shared a tribute from Barack Obama, who said, “Rosalynn Carter’s life is a reminder that no matter who we are, our legacies are best measured not in awards or accolades, but in the lives we touch.”
The director of the John F. Kennedy library praised Mrs. Carter’s “fierce determination to improve the lives of those who have mental illness.”
The library of Abraham Lincoln noted that Mrs. Carter often spoke of President Lincoln’s recurring depression during her talks about treatment of mental illness.
The library of Republican Gerald Ford, who lost to Carter in the 1976 presidential election, noted “The Carters and the Fords may have been briefly political rivals, but they became longtime friends.” The Ford Museum also offered visitors a chance to sign a book of condolences for the Carter family.
The museum of Depression-era president Herbert Hoover shared a photo of Mrs. Carter taken during a 1990 visit to an exhibit about former first ladies.
The Clinton Global Initiative, the organization of former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, noted Mrs. Carter’s work providing advocacy and resources for caregivers.
The George W. Bush library posted a statement from former President Bush that noted the Carters’ long partnership, calling it a “wonderful example of loyalty and fidelity.”
The library of Lyndon Johnson shared a video of Mrs. Carter from 1988, with the message, “#RosalynnCarter’s journey wasn’t just about exploring new places, but embracing diverse cultures and connecting with people on a deeper level.”
The White House Historical Association encouraged the public to sign a condolence book at the White House.
In addition to messages of condolence, the National Archives shared favorite recipes from Mrs. Carter, including one for a “Plains Special” cheese ring and a classic strawberry cake that the archives said was “reflecting the sweetness she brought to so many.”
Memories of Rosalynn Carter
The AJC’s continuing coverage includes information on how to participate in memorials for Mrs. Carter in Atlanta and Plains. Reporters Ariel Hart and Helena Oliviero shared stories and memories of Mrs. Carter from friends, co-workers and other acquaintances. The AJC multimedia journalists have compiled a video of memories and tributes.
- The Carter Center has an online condolences book and a special website in tribute to Mrs. Carter.
- Habitat for Humanity also has an online condolences book and a tribute to Mrs. Carter
- Ashleigh Ewald contributed to this story.
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