According to Mercury News, in the recent events surrounding the passing of former first lady Rosalynn Carter, Melania Trump’s statement expressing condolences and admiration for Carter’s legacy was overshadowed by her husband’s controversial remarks. Melania’s description of Rosalynn Carter’s “meaningful legacy” and her dedication to family and country came a day after Donald Trump mocked Jimmy Carter during an event in Iowa.
Trump criticized Joe Biden, stating that Jimmy Carter must be the happiest person in the country because, compared to Biden, Carter’s administration looked brilliant. Despite Melania’s seemingly heartfelt statement, some, including Caitlyn Jenner, praised her for being classy, while others criticized her for showing “fake sympathy,” pointing out that Trump had openly mocked Carter at his rally. This criticism intensified as it was revealed that Rosalynn Carter had entered hospice care, making Trump’s joke particularly insensitive.
Rosalynn Carter passed away two days later, leaving behind her husband of 77 years, 99-year-old Jimmy Carter, who is also in hospice care. Carter, the 39th president of the United States, expressed losing his “equal partner in everything I ever accomplished.” Notably, Jimmy Carter had been critical of Trump, referring to him as an “illegitimate president” in 2019 and expressing concerns about the state of democracy in the aftermath of the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
Following Rosalynn Carter’s death, Trump issued a statement on his Truth Social platform, striking a different tone than his earlier remarks. He acknowledged her contributions and said she had “earned the admiration and gratitude” of the nation.
Funeral plans for Rosalynn Carter include a tribute service at Emory University on November 28 and a family and friends’ funeral service at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, on November 29. The presence of presidents and first ladies at the funeral remains uncertain. The article also recalls the awkward moments during the 2018 funeral of George H.W. Bush, where the Trumps’ arrival reportedly led to a cessation of conversation in the presidential pew.
