GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — As the country mourns the death of former first lady Rosalynn Carter, many are remembering her for the positive changes she made in our history.
As a voice for change, she advocated for mental health awareness and equal rights. But, she didn't do it alone.
After meeting in April of 1974, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum Supervisory Curator, Dr. Mirelle Luecke says Mrs. Carter and Grand Rapids’ own Betty Ford created a close relationship that included friendship and advocacy.
"They actually first met in April 1974 When Betty Ford made her first solo trip as second lady to Atlanta, Georgia, where she met Rosalynn Carter and Rosalynn recall being really nervous that Betty Ford was coming because she knew her husband plan to run for president in 1976.
But she recalled how warm and friendly Betty was, and the two women really hit it off after that," said Dr. Luecke.
Some of the things they did included both women testifying before congress in 1994— that mental health and substance abuse treatment should be a part of the then new health care reform act.
They also brought that advocacy to grand rapids several times, including in 1984 when Carter traveled to the museum for a conference ford was hosting focused on first ladies.
"The two women spoke about their role as first ladies, and how they could be both advocates for causes that they believed in and also confidence for their husbands," said Dr. Luecke.
But more importantly, they supported each other as friends.
"Well, I think their friendship and the connection that they shared with each other just helps make both women human and also really points to the fact that they were very passionate about using their platform as first ladies," said Dr. Luecke.
The museum has set up a memory book where people can come in and write a memory about Rosalynn Carter. They also have a small exhibit showcasing her life and relationship with Betty Ford.
You can check out those exhibits this week.
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is located at 303 Pearl St. NW in Grand Rapids.
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