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'How a real life love story ends': Internet awed as Jimmy Carter, 99, travels to Atlanta in wheelchair for wife's funeral

Rosalyn Carter died peacefully in her Plains home on November 19, at the age of 96

PLAINS, GEORGIA: Former President Jimmy Carter made a rare public appearance at the memorial service for his wife, Rosalynn, in Georgia, emerging from 10 months of hospice care.

The 99-year-old arrived in a wheelchair, flanked by his four children, as they celebrated the life of Rosalynn, who passed away at 96. Diagnosed with dementia in May, she entered hospice care shortly before her death.

President Carter's love for his wife was remarkable

The Carters' remarkable 77-year marriage stands as the longest among any first couple, with President Joe Biden among the attendees at the service.

In a solemn motorcade, Mrs. Rosalynn Carter was transported to the Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at Emory University for a tribute service on the morning of November 29.

As per BBC News, the ceremony drew influential figures, including former President Bill Clinton, portraying the bipartisan respect she garnered.

First Lady Jill Biden and all four living predecessors—Melania Trump, Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, and Hillary Clinton—graced the service, a testament to Mrs. Carter's esteemed legacy transcending political divides.

There was uncertainty about President Carter's attendance due to his ongoing end-of-life care since February, given his significant health challenges, including melanoma that spread to his liver and brain.

Ultimately, he watched from the front row, seated in a wheelchair with his daughter Amy by his side, holding his hand throughout the service.

Amy Carter focused on the enduring love between her and President Carter during the service. She shared a heartfelt letter he wrote to her 75 years ago while serving as a submarine commander in the US Navy.

The letter read, "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," she read. "When I see you, I fall in love with you all over again. Does that seem strange to you? It doesn't to me."

It was not only Mrs Carter's family, friends, and closest aides who shared heartfelt tributes, but even the Internet was in awe of President Carter's love for his late wife. 

The Internet says 'that's how a real life love story ends'

The Daily Beast took to Twitter to write, "Jimmy Carter would not miss the final chapter of his love story with wife Rosalynn" 

Another penned, "President Jimmy Carter, 99 years old, and in hospice care for nearly 10 months, traveled to Atlanta from Plains and made it to wife Rosalynn's funeral. That's how a real life love story ends. Respect."

One comment read, "That's a man who worked hard every day to make the world around him better for other people. Down to his last few sunrises, head held high, knowing he tried his best. Godspeed Sir!" 

Owing to Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter's marriage of more than 77 years, one penned, "Married 77 years is unbelievable. They complement each other . RIP First Lady . Bless President Carter being with her at the end". 

The memorial service for Rosalynn Carter reflected her dual identity as a global figure and a family matriarch.

While acknowledging her international influence, the ceremony highlighted her preference for a simple life and emphasized her role as a deeply religious matriarch within her family.