President Biden on Tuesday directed all flags at U.S. government buildings and military bases be flown at half-staff in honor of former first lady Rosalynn Carter, who died Sunday.
“Throughout her life as First Lady of Georgia and First Lady of the United States, Rosalynn Carter exemplified hope, warmth, and a steadfast commitment to doing all she could to address many of our society’s greatest needs,” Biden said in a proclamation issued by the White House.
“She was a champion for equal rights and opportunities for women and girls; an advocate for mental health and wellness for all; and a supporter of the often unseen and uncompensated caregivers of our children, aging loved ones, and people with disabilities,” Biden added. “Above all, the deep love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership, and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism.”
Biden ordered flags be flown at half-staff from Saturday until sunset on the day of Carter’s interment.
The Carter Center said in a statement Sunday that the former first lady died “peacefully, with family by her side” at her rural Georgia home of Plains. She was 96 and had lived with dementia and was in declining health for several years.