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Governor Phil Murphy has ordered all U.S. and New Jersey flags lowered to half-staff in honor of Rosalynn Carter, the former first lady who died last Sunday at the age of 96.
In signing the executive order, Murphy said the former first lady left behind an enduring legacy of humanitarianism and public service. He called her a champion for equal rights, dedicated to advancing opportunities for women and girls. He also mentioned her commitment to battling the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Rosalynn Carter was the wife of Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States. She served as the first lady from 1977 to 1981. She was also an activist, writer, and advocate for mental health and women's rights.
As the first lady, she was politically active and involved in many domestic and foreign issues. She attended cabinet meetings, met with world leaders, and served as an envoy to Latin America in 1977. She also championed causes such as mental health, human rights, and environmental protection.
After leaving the White House in 1981, she continued to work with her husband at the Carter Center, a non-profit organization that promotes peace, democracy, and health around the world. She also wrote several books, including
She was diagnosed with dementia in May 2023 and entered hospice care at home in November 2023. She died on November 19, 2023, at the age of 96. She was the second-longest-lived first lady after Bess Truman, and the longest-married first lady.