Jimmy Carter's Wife, Rosalynn Carter, Diagnosed with Dementia
Former first lady Rosalynn Carter, wife of former president Jimmy Carter, has been diagnosed with dementia, according to The Carter Center, which announced it on Tuesday.
The Carter Center, which is the nonprofit founded by the former president, released a statement about the former first lady, saying, "She continues to live happily at home with her husband, enjoying spring in Plains and visits with loved ones."
In her capacity as first lady, as well as during her life before and after her husband left office, Rosalynn Carter was a strong advocate of mental health. Because of this, The Carter Center explained that they made the announcement to "decrease stigma" regarding the issue.
In its statement online, the nonprofit said, "She urged improved access to care and decreased stigma about issues surrounding mental health."
The statement added that "One in 10 older Americans have dementia, a condition that affects overall mental health," saying they recognize that "stigma is often a barrier that keeps individuals and their families from seeking and getting much-needed support."
Finally, the nonprofit organization paid tribute to caregivers, mentioning that the former first lady often noted that there are only four kinds of people in this world, and they are former caregivers, current caregivers, future caregivers, and those who need caregivers. The Carter Center then stated that there is the "universality of caregiving is clear in our family" and that they are experiencing the joy and challenges of it amid the news of the former first lady's condition.
Former President Jimmy Carter founded The Carter Center with Rosalynn Carter in Georgia in 1982, shortly after the Democrat lost his re-election bid to Ronald Reagan. It has since become a notable international humanitarian force that focuses on public health and human rights, including the efforts of reducing the stigma on mental health. The Carters are also known for their long association with Habitat for Humanity
READ NEXT: California: Queen Elizabeth Assassination Plot in 1983 Revealed
Biden Administration Reacts to Rosalynn Carter Dementia News
According to ABC News, soon after the news about former FLOTUS Rosalynn Carter's condition was revealed, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre spoke about it during a recent news conference on Tuesday.
"The Bidens have stayed in touch with President Carter's team to ensure that their family knows that they are certainly in the president and the first lady's thoughts," she told reporters. President Joe Biden had been a strong ally of the Carters ever since his early days as a senator.
Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter Have Been Married for 76 Years
According to Business Insider, the former POTUS and the former FLOTUS started dating in 1945 when Jimmy Carter was still studying at the US Naval Academy and Rosalynn was still a student at Georgia Southwestern College. They then married on July 7, 1946.
They have been married for over 76 years now, with four kids, as well as a total of 22 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
As for the former president, he is currently in hospice care since February after a series of hospitalizations.
READ NEXT: Joe Biden Family Probe: House Republicans Find No Evidence of Wrongdoing
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Rick Martin
WATCH: Rosalynn Carter dementia diagnosis: Former first lady, Jimmy Carter's wife update | LiveNOW from FOX