At 95, that’s actually not a surprise. It still stinks.
I know she was the first lady but this is more of an MPSIMS thread.
That is sad to hear about, even if unsurprising. May her dementia journey be a gentle one.
It seems rather tacky to announce it to the world.
Why? She’s one of the best-known public figures in the whole world, and it would possibly explain why she might not attend Jimmy’s funeral when his time comes (assuming she doesn’t die first).
If you lose it, do you want someone running down the street yelling, “Hey everyone! nearwildheaven has gone nuts!”? Perhaps it is a regional thing.
Many people have had this announced when they are diagnosed. My favorite actor did that.
That’s an odd perception. At least 95% of the world outside the U.S. would not know who Rosalynn Carter is by name alone without context. And I think that a lot of younger Americans wouldn’t either, although obviously they’d probably guess from the surname.
(Not that I intend to diminish her at all, it just struck me as odd that you think she is so well known today.)
Were you around when First Lady Betty Ford was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a mastectomy? I don’t recall anyone running down the street yelling.
Rosalynn Carter has been a great advocate for destigmatizing mental health issues. I think it entirely appropriate that this news be made public, and it wouldn’t surprise me if she had a role in deciding to announce it. That she has dementia does not necessarily mean that she’s totally out of touch with the facts of her own case and decisions relating to it.
I heard it on NBC News last night.
What’s tacky is implying that dementia in a gracious 95-year-old woman with an unblemished record of public service is anywhere in the same ballpark as “going nuts.”
Many of us still remember the Carters-- they’re not dead yet and neither are we. 
I remember not only Betty Ford’s breast cancer, but her face lift, and her treatment for alcoholism. It is important that us regular Joes and Jennies know that rich/famous/smart/loving people have crap happen to them, too. I’m grateful for the opportunity to think about how this will affect her family as my dad’s senility affected mine. It’s cathartic to know you are not alone in your struggles.
Given that background, i would guess it was her choice to publicize it. My mother had moderate dementia for a couple of years, and for most of that time was aware of her condition and perfectly capable of deciding what she wanted others to know about it. (She was also hugely frustrated by it.) Heck, a doctor who was a member of my temple gave a talk about his Alzheimer’s, and what it meant to him and his family, and what planning he was doing while he was still capable of doing that.
I recently watched the documentary about their love life, Jimmy and Rosalynn. It was quite touching. And powerful. They’ve led such blessed lives.
Her condition is a sad way to spend your (their) final days together. I can’t help but think of the movie The Notebook. Which, though it’s very much a chick flick, I kind of liked.
She officially entered hospice several days ago, and died today at age 96.
Well done, good and faithful servant.
Surprised that Jimmy outlived her, as he always seemed the more frail of the two. The two of them exemplify a life well-lived, giving generously of their good fortune and of their time.
IIRC Jimmy has been in hospice for a few months. I do not know but I wonder if he is even able to be aware of his wife’s death?
Rosalynn was a class act. I wish more first ladies (actually…anyone) emulated her.
Husband and wife knew each other from the time they were toddlers. That’s a long relationship.
Half of by far the classiest (and MHO, most accomplished) “former President” couple in my lifetime. Very much RIP.