Rosalyn Carter, the former first lady of the United States, for the past 96 years

Rosalynn Carter, the former First Lady and closest advisor to Jimmy Carter during his presidency, passed away at the age of 96. The Carter Center announced that she died on Monday after months of coping with mental decline and enduring an illness.

Having been married for over 77 years, Rosalynn and her husband were a notable exception among previous First Ladies. Unlike many of her predecessors, Rosalynn actively participated in Cabinet meetings, spoke on various issues, and represented her husband on foreign trips.

During Jimmy Carter's tenure in the White House from 1977 to 1981, he once told his aides, "Rosalynn is my best friend and probably the most influential person in my life."

Many in the presidential staff believed that her political instincts were superior to those of her husband. Despite her gentle Southern demeanor, Rosalynn's steely determination earned her the nickname "Steel Magnolia" among Washington reporters.

After leaving Washington, Jimmy and Rosalynn founded the Carter Center in Atlanta to continue their work. She led the annual symposium of the center on mental health issues and raised financial support for mentally ill and homeless individuals.

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