By Jeff Mason and Rich McKayATLANTA (Reuters) - Jimmy Carter, the 99-year-old former U.S. president who entered hospice care in February, made a rare public appearance on Tuesday, looking frail as he attended a memorial service in Atlanta for his wife, Rosalynn Carter, who died on Nov. 19.
As first lady, Rosalynn Carter played a prominent role in his presidency from 1977 to 1981, and in his humanitarian work after the couple left the White House.
His son James Earl "Chip" Carter III kissed him on the forehead after delivering a tribute to Rosalynn Carter, calling her "the glue" that held the family together.
His wife, who had been diagnosed with dementia, joined him in hospice care only a few days before her death.
During the memorial, their daughter, Amy Carter, read from a letter Jimmy Carter sent to Rosalynn while he was serving in the Navy.
Persons:
Jeff Mason, Rich McKay, Jimmy Carter, Rosalynn Carter, James Earl, Chip, Carter, Amy Carter, Rosalynn, Jason Carter, Jonathan Allen, Will Dunham
Organizations:
Rich McKay ATLANTA, Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church, White, Navy, Humanity, Habitat, New York Times
Locations:
Atlanta, Plains , Georgia, New York