Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Celebrate 77th Wedding Anniversary at Home
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Celebrate 77th Wedding Anniversary Amid Health Challenges
ATLANTA (AP) — Former President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter are celebrating their 77th wedding anniversary at their south Georgia home, marking a milestone as the longest-married first couple ever. Both nonagenarians are facing significant health challenges, with Jimmy Carter, 98, in home hospice care since February and Rosalynn Carter, 95, living with dementia.
Despite their health issues, the Carters have been enjoying time together with family and close friends in recent months. Their grandson, Jason Carter, reflected on their enduring legacy, emphasizing the love that defines their relationship and the way they approach the world.
The Carters have been a united force for over half a century, starting with their partnership in the family farm business before Jimmy Carter’s political career and their global humanitarian work through The Carter Center. The center, established in 1982, has been instrumental in diplomatic missions, election monitoring, and public health outreach, including the near eradication of Guinea worm disease.
Rosalynn Carter has been a champion for mental health treatment and advocacy, establishing an annual fellowship for journalists to focus on mental health reporting. The couple also became well-known volunteers for Habitat for Humanity, participating in builds and advocating for better services for caregivers.
Their marriage, which began in their hometown of Plains in 1946, has been characterized by open communication, shared Christian faith, and a commitment to reconciliation. Despite their health challenges, the Carters have continued to enjoy hobbies together, from playing tennis and hiking to bird watching on their property in Plains.
As they celebrate their 77th anniversary, the Carters serve as an inspiration for enduring love, partnership, and service to others. Their legacy of compassion, dedication, and mutual respect continues to resonate with supporters and admirers around the world.