Rosalynn Carter’s family reveals her medical diagnosis.

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter Diagnosed with Dementia

The family of former first lady Rosalynn Carter announced on Tuesday that she has been diagnosed with dementia. Despite the diagnosis, Carter, who is now 95 years old, remains at home in Plains, Georgia, with her husband, former President Jimmy Carter. The couple, who have been married for nearly 77 years, are the longest-married first couple in U.S. history.

The Carter family is sharing that former First Lady Rosalynn Carter has dementia. She continues to live happily at home with her husband, enjoying spring in Plains and visits with loved ones.

Full statement: https://t.co/FrpcYhPwn4 pic.twitter.com/Ng4mnAZiPS

— The Carter Center (@CarterCenter) May 30, 2023

The Carters have been spending time only with family and close friends since the former president’s announcement in February that he would forgo further medical intervention after a series of short hospital stays. The family has not disclosed any specific diagnosis for either the former president or the former first lady.

A Life of Advocacy

Rosalynn Carter has spent her long public life advocating for individuals and families affected by mental illness and for those in caregiving relationships with loved ones. She has worked tirelessly to address the stigma attached to mental health conditions, making it a priority in the Carter Center’s expansive public health platforms.

“Mrs. Carter often noted that there are only four kinds of people in this world: those who have been caregivers; those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers,” the family said in a statement.

A Legacy of Service

Eleanor Rosalynn Smith was born in Plains on Aug. 18, 1924. It was Jimmy Carter’s mother, a nurse, who delivered her in her family’s home. Lillian Carter brought her young son back a few days later to visit, allowing the future president and first lady to meet as preschooler and newborn. Rosalynn Carter campaigned vigorously for her husband in his Democratic bids for Georgia governor and the presidency

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