The family of Rosalynn Carter, the former first lady, shared the news on Tuesday that she is currently living with dementia.
At the age of 95, Rosalynn resides in Georgia alongside her husband, former President Jimmy Carter, who is 98 years old. The Carter Center released a heartfelt statement, highlighting Rosalynn’s significant contributions to mental health advocacy, as they revealed this deeply personal information.
The statement emphasized that despite her condition, Rosalynn continues to find joy and contentment in her life at home with her husband. They described her appreciation for the arrival of spring in Plains and the comfort of spending cherished moments with loved ones.
In recalling Rosalynn’s words from nearly five decades ago, the statement resonated, “We recognize, just as she did, that the stigma surrounding dementia often acts as a barrier, preventing individuals and their families from seeking and receiving the crucial support they require.” The family expressed their hope that sharing this news will ignite important conversations in households and medical communities across the nation, fostering understanding and compassion.
Although Rosalynn has been under hospice care for the past three months, her family reports that her spirit remains remarkably resilient, despite facing a terminal illness. Their admiration for her unwavering positivity shines through their words. However, they have chosen to maintain privacy and have not disclosed the specific details regarding the extent of Rosalynn’s dementia.
The statement further reflected on the profound words of Rosalynn Carter, who founded the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers. She once said that there are only four types of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who currently serve in that role, those who will assume caregiving responsibilities in the future, and those who will eventually find themselves in need of care. The family acknowledged the unique joys and challenges that caregiving presents within their own family, echoing the sentiments shared by the institute.
In conclusion, the family respectfully requested privacy during this difficult time and expressed that they would not be providing further updates regarding Rosalynn’s condition. They conveyed their profound appreciation for the outpouring of support and expressed their belief that Rosalynn’s journey with dementia will shed light on the importance of empathy, understanding, and proactive care for those affected by this challenging illness.