Eleanor Rosalynn Carter, was an American writer and activist who served as the first lady of the United
States from 1977 to 1981, as the wife of President Jimmy Carter. She was best known for being a leading
advocate for women's rights and mental health. Carter married Jimmy Carter in 1946, after graduating
from college and their partnership would come to define much of her public life. She became First Lady
from 1977 to 1981 during President Jimmy Carter’s administration. Carter is credited... moreEleanor Rosalynn Carter, was an American writer and activist who served as the first lady of the United
States from 1977 to 1981, as the wife of President Jimmy Carter. She was best known for being a leading
advocate for women's rights and mental health. Carter married Jimmy Carter in 1946, after graduating
from college and their partnership would come to define much of her public life. She became First Lady
from 1977 to 1981 during President Jimmy Carter’s administration. Carter is credited for propelling
Jimmy Carter from rural Georgia to the White House and became the most politically active first lady
since Eleanor Roosevelt. Carter used her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and
women’s rights. She was a trailblazer in her own right, redefining the role of the First Lady by actively
participating in her husband’s policymaking and decision-making processes. She worked tirelessly to
reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and played a pivotal role in the passage of the Mental
Health Systems Act in 1980. Carter was also an advocate for women’s rights, pushing for gender equality
and empowerment. Additionally, she was involved in various humanitarian efforts, including her work
with the Carter Center, which focused on global health and conflict resolution. She won numerous
awards throughout her career including the American Peace Award along with Jimmy Carter in 2009, she
was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame.
