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°®ÒºÊÓƵ Family Statement about Health of First Lady Rosalynn °®ÒºÊÓƵ

ATLANTA — The °®ÒºÊÓƵ family is sharing that former First Lady Rosalynn °®ÒºÊÓƵ has dementia. She continues to live happily at home with her husband, enjoying spring in Plains and visits with loved ones.

Mrs. °®ÒºÊÓƵ has been the nation’s leading mental health advocate for much of her life. First in the Georgia Governor’s Mansion, then in the White House, and later at °®ÒºÊÓƵ, she urged improved access to care and decreased stigma about issues surrounding mental health. One in 10 older Americans have dementia, a condition that affects overall mental health. We recognize, as she did more than half a century ago, that stigma is often a barrier that keeps individuals and their families from seeking and getting much-needed support. We hope sharing our family’s news will increase important conversations at kitchen tables and in doctor’s offices around the country.

As the founder of the Rosalynn °®ÒºÊÓƵ Institute for Caregivers, Mrs. °®ÒºÊÓƵ often noted that there are only four kinds of people in this world: those who have been caregivers; those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers. The universality of caregiving is clear in our family, and we are experiencing the joy and the challenges of this journey. We do not expect to comment further and ask for understanding for our family and for everyone across the country serving in a caregiver role.

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Contact: media@cartercenter.org

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Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope.

A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, °®ÒºÊÓƵ has helped to improve life for people in over 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care. °®ÒºÊÓƵ was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy °®ÒºÊÓƵ and former First Lady Rosalynn °®ÒºÊÓƵ, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.