Bipartisan lawmakers honor Rosalynn Carter as ‘beacon of humble charity’

Lawmakers on both sides expressed their condolences on the death of former first lady Rosalynn Carter, referring to the humanitarian activist as a “beacon of humble charity.” 

The Carter Center, a human rights nonprofit organization founded by Carter and her husband, former President Carter, announced Sunday afternoon that the former first lady passed away just after 2 p.m. Sunday at her home in Plains, Ga. Carter, 96, just entered hospice care two days ago. 

“First Lady Rosalynn Carter dedicated her life to serving others,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) wrote in a Sunday post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. “America has lost a passionate humanitarian and champion for people all over the world. My heart goes out to her entire family.” 

“Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter was a beacon of humble charity, kindness, and generosity that inspired our nation for generations,” Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.) wrote in an X post. “I mourn her passing and the pain President Carter is feeling today. America is blessed by the Carters.” 

“First Lady Rosalynn Carter was a beacon of hope and light — using her platform for humanitarian causes to make our world a better place,” Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) wrote in an X post. “I send my heartfelt prayers and steadfast support to President Carter and the entire Carter family. May she rest in perfect peace.”

“Erika and I extend our deepest condolences to the family of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. Her commitment to her philanthropic work, her beloved husband and family, and our nation was admirable,” Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) said in an X post. “May her legacy live forever and may God be near to those mourning her passing.”

“Wishing peace and comfort to former President Carter and his family,” Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) said in an X post. “Rosalynn Carter was a champion for the nation and a lifelong partner in public service. May her memory be a blessing.”

“All her life Rosalynn Carter dedicated herself to serving others. As First Lady she served our country with grace and kindness,” Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) wrote in an X post, also sharing a photo he took with the Carters and the late Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.). “My heart is with her love of over 75 years, President Carter and their family today.” 

“Deeply saddened by the passing of Rosalynn Carter. A beloved First Lady and wonderful humanitarian, she led a life of service and compassion,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said in his own statement. “May God watch over President Jimmy Carter and their family during this difficult time.”

“Kelly and I are saddened to hear of the passing of First Lady Rosalynn Carter. She and President Carter were an outstanding example of love and devotion to one another, and to others through their years of public service and extraordinary charitable works,” House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said in an X post. “President Carter and the Carter family are in our prayers today.”

“First Lady Rosalynn Carter devoted her entire life to our Nation. She brought compassion and grace to every issue she fought for, especially mental health advocacy,” Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) said in an X post. “Terese and I send our deepest condolences to President Carter and the entire Carter family.”

“Rosalynn Carter lived an incredible life that was wholeheartedly devoted to serving others,” Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) said in an X post. “She leaves behind a legacy of grace, grit, and goodwill. Our thoughts and prayers are with President Carter and their loved ones.” 

“I extend my deepest condolences to President Carter, Jack, Chip, Jeff, Amy, and the entire Carter family on their loss,” Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) said in a statement, noting the former first lady’s achievements with her work as a humanitarian and advocate for mental health. 

“The State of Georgia and the United States are better places because of Rosalynn Carter,” Ossoff added. “I join all Georgians and Americans in mourning her loss. May Rosalynn Carter’s memory be a blessing.”

Updated at 6:20 pm.