75 years ago Jimmy Carter wrote a love letter to his wife Rosalynn, yesterday their daughter read it out in church at her funeral
ATLANTA, GEORGIA: In a poignant memorial service held on Wednesday, November 29, Amy Carter, the youngest child of former President Jimmy Carter and the late Rosalynn Carter, shared heartfelt sentiments about her parents' enduring love story.
The ceremony, held at Glenn Memorial Church in Atlanta, Georgia, saw the 99-year-old Jimmy Carter, now in a wheelchair, bidding a heartbreaking farewell to his wife of 77 years.
As Amy spoke, tears welled in her eyes, revealing the depth of emotion surrounding the love her parents shared. The former president, surrounded by family and distinguished guests, including all living first ladies and President Joe Biden, listened as Amy recounted her parents' journey from childhood acquaintances to a lifelong partnership.
Amy Carter reads Jimmy Carter's love letter to his wife
Amy, 56, took a moment to compose herself before delving into her father's words about his enduring love for Rosalynn. She read a poignant letter Jimmy wrote to Rosalynn 75 years ago during his Navy service, expressing the thrill of returning to her after every separation.
The words, though penned many years ago, resonated with the timeless love the couple shared, "My darling, every time I have ever been away from you I have been thrilled when I returned to discover just how wonderful you are. While I am away I try to convince myself that you really are not, could not be as sweet and beautiful as I remember."
The letter concluded, "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."
Tributes continue to pour in for Rosalynn Carter
Jason Carter, a grandson of the Carters, reflected on Rosalynn's life, emphasizing that her existence was a testament to service and dedication. He praised her influence on national policy, her courage in facing dictators on human rights issues, and her instrumental role in building the Carter Center into a human rights powerhouse.
The memorial marked Jimmy Carter's first public appearance in almost a year. Despite his silence during the service, the depth of emotion was palpable as the family celebrated Rosalynn's life.
James Carter, one of the Carters' sons, credited his mother as the glue that held the family together through political ups and downs. He also acknowledged her pivotal role in helping him overcome drug and alcohol addiction, declaring, "She saved my life."
Melania Trump and Michelle Obama, followed by other dignitaries, led the procession into the service. The front row was a mix of family and political figures, with Amy Carter seen holding her father's hand during a moving performance by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chamber Chorus.
Judy Woodruff, the eulogist, acknowledged the esteemed guests, noting, "Rosalynn Carter would be so pleased to see she brought all of you together on this day," eliciting laughter and applause from the audience. Jason Carter also lightened the atmosphere by saying "Secretary Clinton and Dr Biden - we also welcome your lovely husbands."
Country music icons Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, close friends of the Carters through their work with Habitat for Humanity, performed John Lennon's 'Imagine' during the service. The couple's moving rendition paid a musical tribute to the celebration of Rosalynn's life.
Tony Lowden, the Carters' pastor, expressed gratitude to the Secret Service on behalf of Rosalynn, who guarded her for 46 years. He acknowledged their role in ensuring her safety, saying, "For 46 they made sure she got home safe. I want to tell each and every one of them, she would tell you, ‘Thank you. You got me home safe.'"
The poignant ceremony also highlighted the close-knit relationships among political figures, with Michelle Obama, the Clintons, and the Bidens traveling together from Washington, DC on Air Force One.
Despite Jimmy Carter's health challenges over the past year, his determination to attend the ceremony reflected the enduring strength of his connection with Rosalynn. The couple's 77-year marriage made them the longest-married presidential couple in US history, according to CBS News.