Jimmy Cartermade a rare and poignant public appearance on Tuesday afternoon, attending his late wifeRosalynn Carter’s memorial service in Atlanta.
The former president, 99, terminated medical intervention in February amid his own health challenges, andhad been in hospice care at homeprior to Tuesday’s ceremony.
In an accompanying statement, President 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.”
Former President Jimmy Carter arrives at the tribute service for Rosalynn Carter at Glenn Memorial Church in Atlanta on Nov. 28, 2023.ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images
Forever sweethearts whomet when they were just babies, the former first lady and former president coined a sweet phrase they shared with each other: “ILYTG.”
Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter walk through Plains, Georgia, in 2017.David Goldman/AP
David Goldman/AP
“‘I love you the goodest.’ That’s what my mother and daddy used to say back and forth, and I picked it up with Rosa,” the nation’s 39th president told PEOPLE back in 2014. “Now all our children do the same thing – ILYTG on the phone or in emails. They generally just put the initials.”
Students watch as Carter family members participate in a wreath-laying ceremony to honor former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Georgia Southwestern State University on Nov. 27.JOHN BAZEMORE/POOL/AFP via Getty
JOHN BAZEMORE/POOL/AFP via Getty
The ceremonies for Rosalynn began on Monday with a wreath-laying at Georgia Southwestern State University’s Rosalynn Carter Health and Human Sciences Complex. The motorcade accompanying Rosalynn made stops at at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus, Georgia, where past and current members of her Secret Service detail escorted the hearse.
The former first lady was then taken to the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta, where members of the public were invited to pay respects.
Every living U.S. first lady — including Dr.Jill Biden,Melania Trump,Michelle Obama,Hillary Clinton, andLaura Bush— also attended Tuesday’s tribute service for Rosalynn.
On Wednesday, Nov. 28, a formal funeral service for family and friends will take place at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains.
source: people.com
