We Celebrate This Architect of Change, Rosalynn Carter, and Her Life-Long Commitment to Lifting Up Caregivers Amid Her Dementia Diagnosis

The Carter family recently shared that former First Lady Rosalynn Carter has dementia. The Sunday Paper holds Rosalynn and The Carter family in our hearts, and hopes that her mission of supporting caregivers and raising awareness of the mental health issues involved continue to grow.

Rosalynn often noted that there are only four kinds of people in this world: those who have been caregivers; those who are current caregivers; those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.

At the age of 12, Rosalynn became a caregiver for her father who was diagnosed with terminal leukemia. And in 1987, she founded the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers to further support caregiver’s health, strength, and resilience.

“Because of that time, I truly understand how hard the job of caregiver is, and it motivates me every day to work to make their lives better. These people deserve our gratitude, our support, and—most important—our help,” Rosalynn told The Sunday Paper back in 2019.

In the same interview, Rosalynn also shared how Sunday Paper readers can help and support caregivers. “I would encourage readers to ask their elected representatives what they are doing for caregivers. Ask their employers. Ask the companies that they do business with.”