Former US first lady Rosalynn Carter dies aged 96

Former US first Lady Rosalynn Carter died on Sunday, the Carter Center announced. She was 96.

The wife of former President Jimmy Carter, 99, passed away at her home in Plains, Georgia.

"She died peacefully, with family by her side," said the center in a release.

Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter were married for 77 years.

"Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished," President Carter said. "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 former first lady, who had been diagnosed with dementia, entered hospice care at home on Friday.

She is survived by her children — Jack, Chip, Jeff and Amy — and 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

The center said the schedule of memorial events and funeral ceremonies would be distributed as soon as possible.

Jimmy Carter served as the 39th president of the US from 1977 to 1981.