Charisa Bossinakis
Jimmy Carter has farewelled his late wife Rosalynn’s during an emotional memorial service.
The Daily Mail reported that the 39th US President and members of the Carter family gathered at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, to say goodbye to the former First Lady.
The 99-year-old has been living in a hospice in his hometown of Georgia since February.
He arrived in a wheelchair and sat in the front row as he said goodbye to his wife of 77 years.
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Also in the front row were other former First Ladies, including Melania Trump, Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, and Jill Biden, as well as President Joe Biden and Bill Clinton.
His son, Chip, gave a gut-wrenching tribute, calling his mother an ‘extraordinary First Lady’ and a 'great humanitarian in her own right'.
"Her life of service and compassion was an example for all Americans. She will be sorely missed not only by our family but by the many people who have better mental health care and access to resources for caregiving today,” he added.
Carter’s 56-year-old daughter Amy also spoke, touching upon her parents’ love for one another.
She read out a letter her father wrote for Rosalynn while he was serving in the Navy, as per The Guardian.
In the letter, Carter said: “My darling, every time I have ever been away from you, I had been thrilled when I returned to discover just how wonderful you are.
"While I’m away I tried to convince myself that you really are not could not be as sweet and beautiful as I remember. But when I see you I fall in love with you all over again.
"Does that seem strange to you? It doesn’t to me. Goodbye darling. Until tomorrow, Jimmy.”
Rosalynn passed away on November 19, two days after entering hospice care and six months after being diagnosed with dementia.
The Carters said she died at her home in Plains, Georgia, at 2.10pm, surrounded by her family.
Jimmy Carter said in a statement following her death: "Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished.
"She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it.
"As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me."