Farewell to American icon Rosalynn Carter, wife of ex-President Jimmy Carter

"She died peacefully, with her family by her side." The statement issued by the Carter Center has made it clear that Rosalynn Carter passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.

The wife of Jimmy Carter, who was the 39th president of the United States, died this Sunday, in Plains, Georgia, at the age of 96.

The former First Lady suffered from dementia and had recently been referred to palliative care.

In her day, Rosalynn Carter's fighting and hard-working character made her known as 'co-president', instead of First Lady.

And the deceased was a fine example of a Democratic First Lady in the White House. Rosalynn was known to be a passionate advocate for mental health, care and women's rights.

Not only did she actively participate in the meetings of the Presidential Cabinet, but she also gave her opinion and spoke out on the most complex issues.

Naturally she was known to be a great ally to her husband Jimmy Carter, in the four years that he was president of the United States, between 1977 and 1981. Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter were the longest married First Couple.

Rosalynn and Jimmy had a long history together; the couple married in 1946 and enjoyed an impressive 77 years of marriage.

In a statement, Jimmy Carter said: "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."

While his wife has passed away peacefully, the former American president continues in palliative care, at 99 years old and has already become the longest living former US president.

As for Rosalynn, she was the second longest living First Lady, surpassed by Bess Truman, who died in 1982 at the age of 97.

The love story of Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter goes back to high school, where they met and fell in love, ending up getting married at the age of 19.

77 years later, the couple leaves a legacy of four children, 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren who, obviously, will be at the commemorative  and funeral events that will be held in the coming days.

Chip Carter said, "She will be sorely missed not only by our family but by the many people who have better mental health care and access to resources for caregiving today."

"On behalf a grateful nation, we send our love to the entire Carter family and the countless people whose lives are better, fuller, and brighter because of Rosalynn Carter," President Biden said in his tribute.

If you are interested in the memorial details and more information on Rosalynn Carter, please visit the Rosalynn Carter tribute website that has been enabled.