Amy Carter, daughter of former 39th President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, read a touching letter at her memorial service. The letter was written by her father to her mother 75 years ago while serving in the U.S. Navy.
On Nov. 28, Amy Carter, who is the youngest of the couple’s four children, recited the letter on her father’s behalf during Rosalynn Carter’s memorial service at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church in Atlanta, Georgia.
“I chose something that is hard to read without crying,” Amy Carter began. “My mom spent most of her life in love with my dad. Their partnership and love story was a defining feature of her life.”
She continued, “Because he isn’t able to speak to you today, I am going to share some of his words about loving and missing her.”
“My darling, every time I have ever been away from you, I have been thrilled when I returned to discover just how wonderful you are. While I am away, I try to convince myself that you really are not, could not be as sweet and beautiful as I remember,” the letter reads.
Additionally, Jimmy Carter, 99, who was married to Rosalynn Carter for 77 years, conveyed his undying love for his wife.
“But when I see you, I fall in love with you all over again. Does that seem strange to you? It doesn’t to me,” he added.
The letter concluded, “Goodbye, darling. Until tomorrow. Jimmy.”
Rosalynn Carter died on Nov. 19. She was 96.
Following her passing, Jimmy Carter honored his wife in a statement, via the Carter Center.
“Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished. She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me,” he said.