A President’s Unyielding Love: Jimmy Carter’s Poignant Journey at Rosalynn’s Memorial

In an intimate Atlanta church, the frailty of former President Jimmy Carter, 99, became a poignant backdrop as he bid a tearful farewell to his wife, Rosalynn Carter. Clad in somber attire, seated in a wheelchair with legs swathed in a blanket, his gaze seldom met the eyes of those huddled around him.

This emotional tableau unfolded 164 miles away from his Plains, Ga. home, where he had been in hospice care since February. The memorial service, a rare public appearance after nine months, showcased Carter’s indomitable spirit. His presence in the front row, mere feet from Rosalynn’s casket, left mourners captivated.

The shock of witnessing this determined pilgrimage mingled with familial concern. Questions lingered about the toll this journey might take on Carter’s fragile health. As the nation bore witness to the intersection of love and mortality, the 77-year union of the Carters became a poignant chapter etched in the annals of American history.

By Rick Rojas and Jacey Fortin Nov. 28, 2023