The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter dies at 96

First+Lady+Rosalynn+Carter+in+1977
Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
First Lady Rosalynn Carter in 1977

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter died Sunday afternoon at the age of 96 according to a statement from the Carter Center, a human rights charity founded by Carter and her husband, 39th President Jimmy Carter.

The former first lady “died peacefully, with family by her side” at her home in Plains, Georgia, the statement said.

During her four years as first lady, Carter “took a strong interest in programs to aid mental health, the community, and the elderly,” according to the White House website. 

In her work with the Carter Center, Carter led a program to “diminish stigma against mental illness” and increase access to mental health care. The center has also led initiatives to “promote democracy” and “improve global health,” according to the White House.

Carter was placed on hospice care Friday following a dementia diagnosis in May, according to CNN.

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Former President Jimmy Carter also entered at-home hospice care in February in response to a series of hospital visits. He is 99 years old.

Rosalynn Carter is survived by her husband, four children, 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, according to the Carter Center statement.

 

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About the Contributor
Lisa Chasanov, Managing Editor for Reporting
Howdy! My name is Lisa, my game is delivering quality news to your phone screen, coffee table and recycling bin. Since fall 2022, I have had the honor of writing, editing and often-unsuccessfully pitching content for The Daily Illini. During my time at the 152-year-old news source, I have served as a reporter at our news desk, summer editor and assistant news editor. Most recently, after a rewarding year of bringing you hard-hitting stories such as “Uncut: Dissecting Circumcision” and “‘Surf’s Up’ could be the film of the summer,” I have taken over as managing editor for reporting. In my free time, you can find me performing open heart surgery in dark alleys, communicating telepathically with small woodland creatures and engaging in otherwise dubious activities. If you would like to summon me for any reason, you can find me at [email protected]. Good Yard. Stay tuned for more.
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