Rosalynn was raised in a small town in Georgia. She was the oldest child in her family. Her father died when she was 13. She helped her mother a lot. Rosalynn still found time to study. She graduated first in her high school class.

Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter had much in common. They lived in the same small town. They were both smart and religious. Rosalynn thought Jimmy looked handsome in his navy uniform.

Rosalynn became a navy wife in 1946. The Carters lived on six bases in seven years. Rosalynn loved it. Jimmy left the navy when his father died. They went home to run the family peanut business.

Jimmy went into politics. When Jimmy ran for president, they campaigned separately to reach more voters. Rosalynn became known for her toughness and Southern charm.

As First Lady, she was her husband’s most trusted adviser. Rosalynn sat in on cabinet meetings. She and Jimmy had regular working lunches. They discussed everything as partners.

Rosalynn worked hard. She focused her attention on mental health and the elderly. She brought important artists to the White House. She made the First Lady’s role larger.

Rosalynn was sad when Jimmy was not re-elected. She said she had enjoyed every minute of being First Lady. Since leaving the White House, she has written five books. She and Jimmy build homes for the poor. They began the Carter Center. It works for peace and fights disease around the world.