DLNews:

At an intimate ceremony held in Rosalynn's honor at a church in Atlanta on Tuesday, over 1,000 political leaders and former first ladies gathered to pay their respects. Among them were President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Melania Trump, Laura Bush, and Michelle Obama. Amy, the daughter of the Carters, read out a letter from her father during the service, adding to the touching tribute to Rosalynn's life and legacy. 

Former United States President Jimmy Carter, currently receiving hospice care, made a surprise appearance in public to attend the tribute service of his wife, the former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. Her children and grandchildren read scripture passages and played music during the service.

Following the ceremony, a motorcade ride was arranged to the Plains church, where the couple had been lifelong members. As the motorcade made its way through the streets, it slowed down to enable the Plains residents to wave and salute the procession along its route.

Following the procession that concluded at Maranatha Baptist Church, the remains were transported via hearse to the family estate in Cartersville for burial. On Monday, a public memorial service was held at Atlanta's Presidential Library and Museum for those unable to attend the private service in Plains. A final service to pay tribute to the beloved Rosalynn Carter was held on Wednesday, exclusively for family and friends. Instead of sending flowers, the foundation suggests donating directly to mental health programs at The Carter Center and Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers. Alternatively, visitors can share fond memories of Rosalynn Carter on the foundation's website.

The Great Love Story of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter

Their journey began in Plains, a small town with about 600 people. They quickly became friends and bonded over interests such as gardening, hunting, fishing, and traveling. Eventually, Rosalynn and Jimmy fell deeply in love. While he was away at the Annapolis Naval Academy, Jimmy proposed to Rosalynn, but she refused as she had promised her father to complete her college education before getting married. After Jimmy's return to Plains, they eventually tied the knot in 1946.

Throughout their long marriage, the former president and first lady became each other's best friends and biggest supporters. She served as his most excellent ally while rising through the governor's office and White House ranks; during and after his presidency, she stood by him firmly against criticism, becoming his most vigorous defender against criticism during and after being president himself. Additionally, they created an indelible bond through humanitarian work, particularly within developing world communities.

The Carter family often greeted visitors to their family estate, which featured a fishing pond and security outposts built for Secret Service agents who protected for over 46 years. They could often be found attending church events, community gatherings, or Jimmy's peanut warehouse, where he made a fortune in business.

Many in the crowd noted they had known both Carters for decades as neighbors or had followed them throughout their careers, such as in politics or humanitarian efforts to better the world. Many recall their compassion, as both are committed to serving others.

Rosalynn Carter was more than the First Lady, her pastor told those gathered for a memorial service on Tuesday at The Carter Center in Atlanta. According to Rev. Tony Lowden, Rosalynn was "a woman who served every nation around the world." Rosalynn was also a mother, wife, and pillar in her community.