Jimmy Carter Attends Memorial Service for His Wife, Rosalynn

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Former president Jimmy Carter made a rare appearance while he attended the funeral of his late wife Rosalynn Carter. The former first lady died earlier this month at the age of 96.

Mr. Carter was seen in public at her memorial service, in a wheelchair and with a blanket with Rosalynn's face covering his legs. “He’s coming to the end, and he’s very, very physically diminished,” his grandson Jason Carter told the New York Times before the service. “But I think he was proud and happy that he was there for her till the very end, and he wasn’t going to miss this for anything.”

When she passed, Mr. Carter released a statement saying, "Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished. She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me." The couple was married for 77 years, the longest marriage of any first couple in U.S. history.

The first couple's only daughter, Amy Carter, read a letter Mr. Carter wrote to Rosalynn over seven decades ago while he was serving in the Navy. In the letter he wrote,"While I am away, I try to convince myself that you really are not, could not be as sweet and beautiful as I remember. But when I see you, I fall in love with you all over again. Does that seem strange to you? It doesn't to me."

The funeral was attended by President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, former President Bill Clinton and former first lady Hillary Clinton, and former first ladies Michelle Obama, Laura Bush and Melania Trump.

Since Carter entered hospice, there have been only a few updates on his health—in March, President Joe Biden revealed Carter asked him to deliver his eulogy and in May, his grandson Jason Carter said he's been enjoying ice cream and visits from family. In August, his grandson Josh Carter told People that "it's clear we're in the final chapter."

In September, Jason spoke with USA Today about Jimmy and Rosalynn, who has since passed, "They're coming to the end, as we know. He's been in hospice now for several months, but they are happy. They are together. They are at home. They're in love, and I don't think anyone gets more than that. I mean, it's a perfect situation for this time in their lives." He added that his grandfather faces "really significant physical challenges."

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