Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter has passed away, the Carter Center confirmed.

The writer, activist, and former First Lady who served the United States of America from 1977 to 1981 died at the age of 96 just days after entering hospice care.

The news comes just six months after Rosalynn was diagnosed with dementia, whereas it was confirmed that she was surrounded by her family in Plains, Georgia, as she was on her deathbed.

Rosalynn is survived by a husband of 77 years – former President Jimmy Carter – and their four children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

Following the devastating news, the former president broke his silence and paid a tribute to his wife in which he called Rosalynn his equal partner and credited her for providing him with guidance and encouragement when he needed it.

“Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished,” Carter penned.

“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.”

The couple’s son, Chip Carter, added: “Besides being a loving mother and extraordinary First Lady, my mother was a great humanitarian in her own right.

“Her life of service and compassion was an example for all Americans. She will be sorely missed not only by our family but by the many people who have better mental health care and access to resources for caregiving today.”

Paying a tribute to the devoted activist, speaker, and humanitarian was also the current First Lady Jill Biden who broke the news at an event at the Naval Station Norfolk.

“The former First Lady Rosalynn Carter has just passed. She was well known for her efforts on mental health and caregiving and women’s rights, and so I hope that during the holidays you’ll include the Carter family in your prayers,” she told service members at the event,

Our thoughts remain with the Carter family during this challenging time.