Can you even imagine a love like this?
By Marie Coyle
@MarieCoyle (43526)
November 19, 2023 5:50pm CST
I am sure most of you know that Rosalyn Carter, wife of former President JImmy Carter, passed away today after an incredible 96 yeas of living. She was a remarkable woman, and advocated strongly for mental health care as well as had many other accomplishments.
The Carter's were married over 77 years!! Almost 8 decades of being together, raising their family, working side by side....not many people reach 77 years of successfully being married. I personally find that just amazing. She was ONLY 19 years old at the time of her marriage to Jimmy. So very young!
There have been a few marriages in my own family that lasted an incredibly long time--one aunt and uncle made it to 75 years married before they passed away, he only lived 3 months without her--he said he just wanted to go, so he could be with her. My (ex) in-laws, that I am still close to and always will be, have been married 73 years. Some people don't even live that long, let alone be married that long.
Many of us have had long relationships, been married for years and it failed, or maybe you've been married for a very long time. If you have, there is a reason. Is it just acceptance of the other person no matter what he/she did, or maybe the other person just left or wanted out? If it worked, what do you think the main reason is that it worked?
I know in my case the split was honestly not my fault. When a spouse cheats repeatedly, it's time for it to be over. I tried more times than I can say to patch it back together, but it takes both people to do that, not just one. And in the end, it was the right thing to do for us.
A love for a lifetime...I think it was truly lovely, the way they loved each other.
Picture from iStock files.
18 people like this
16 responses
@MarieCoyle (43526)
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20 Nov 23
Respect, love, and the give-and-take seems to be a key factor in a successful relationship. You hit it on the head, Judy.
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (43526)
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20 Nov 23
Yes, sad and yet not sad in a way. What a very long and fulfilling life she had, with a partner who loved her beyond measure. Her body and mind were tired, and she was ready to go. I like to imagine them together again someday. But I think they already are together forever, as they seemed to know each other's hearts so well. Together in spirit!
4 people like this
@popciclecold (39943)
• United States
20 Nov 23
You sure don't see that kind of love now.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (43526)
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20 Nov 23
Not very often. Lovely to see and happy for those who have that.
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (74401)
• United States
20 Nov 23
She was a wonderful wife, First Lady, and woman. My heart aches for the Carter family…because I have a feeling it won’t be much longer before we repeat this with the former president. 
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (43526)
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20 Nov 23
I imagine Jimmy has made his peace with going long ago, and you are right, it no doubt will not be long. They have children that are senior citizens. Even so, it's always hard to part with a loving family member. Even a senior citizen is still a child inside, when they miss their mother or father. Sometimes, we are all still children, missing someone we loved.
3 people like this
@FourWalls (74401)
• United States
20 Nov 23
@MarieCoyle — that’s true. Whether you’re one or a hundred and one, those parent-shaped holes in your hearts are always there.
3 people like this
@wiLLmaH (8802)
• Singapore, Singapore
20 Nov 23
I am married for 12 years now and we only fought twice. Not only love will nurture a relation but also respect, resilience, acceptance, and the beauty of growing together over the years.
It's unfortunate to hear about the challenges in your own past relationship, but your strength and understanding of when it's time to let go speak volumes.
May we all be inspired by such enduring love stories, cherishing the ones we hold dear.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (43526)
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20 Nov 23
It's the real life love stories that hit home and make a person happy to hear about. It's not all Hallmark and soap operas, but real life.
I honestly have absolutely no regrets about my marriage at all. I had 5 children, the first one did not survive, but I went on to have 3 more and adopt another one. I honestly have adult children anyone would be proud of, and I do know not everyone can say that. For some reason, I was blessed by them, and I don't take that for granted.
Their story is heartwarming--sad that it's at an end, but what a lovely and true love story. I do agree, stop for a minute and cherish the ones we love. 
1 person likes this
@wiLLmaH (8802)
• Singapore, Singapore
21 Nov 23
@MarieCoyle It's inspiring to hear about your love and the blessings that have unfolded in your life.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (43526)
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21 Nov 23
@wiLLmaH
My life has not been a rose garden. But I choose to try to focus on the good parts, the blessings, and my friends and family, rather than the negative, whenever I can. There's already enough bad stuff out there we are confronted with every day, so we don't need to relive the bad things. Thank you.
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (53332)
• Canada
20 Nov 23
I feel like true love is a true miracle.
When you think about it, you fall for someone and you realize that as it is happening, there will be no turning back and that it is THE right thing for your life. That was how I felt.
And the rest seemed easy once I felt committed, and I was so happy.
The life that followed seems to have passed in the blink of an eye, like starting out on a walk, seeing something that you love to see, a garden full of flowers, the scent leads you to it, you arrive, enjoy it and continue to walk and although you pass by it, there is another beauty to behold and then yet another. And all the while the person at my side, sometimes guiding me was my hubby.
And at the end of the walk, hopefully there will be a quiet passing, to sit on a bench, and recall the walk, and then 1 get up and start forward and then maybe after a bit, the other.
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (43526)
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20 Nov 23
Julia, your answer is lovely and wonderful. So very, very special. 
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (43526)
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20 Nov 23
I feel some people take love for granted. Love is to be nurtured and cherished. And you are so right, Judy. True love is very hard to find.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (124131)
• Gainesville, Florida
21 Nov 23
While most will admit that Jimmy Carter’s tenure as President was not a great one, he will always be remembered for his actions outside of the White House…his faith, his love of family and family values, and his desire to do good in the world. In that respect, he was one of the best, and Rosalyn stood by him every step of the way.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (43526)
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21 Nov 23
I agree with you. He left his mark and did it quietly and well, not for fame and glory but because he wanted to help people.
@MarieCoyle (43526)
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20 Nov 23
I am so glad for you, that you have that. It's good that you know that and appreciate it. I'm glad you are spoiled rotten!
@RubyHawk (99397)
• Atlanta, Georgia
21 Nov 23
@MarieCoyle Thank you. I’m doing okay.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (43526)
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20 Nov 23
She certainly did!
I hope you are feeling a bit better today, Ruby.
1 person likes this
@aninditasen (17032)
• Raurkela, India
20 Nov 23
The Carters were lucky couples to have lived life together so long. We covered 34years, I feel that wasn't much.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (43526)
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20 Nov 23
34 years is not as long as some marriages last, of course. But if they were good years, that’s what matters. Then again, good years fly by very quickly.
@MarieCoyle (43526)
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20 Nov 23
I think the real life love stories are truly special.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (187986)
• United States
20 Nov 23
I wish hubby and I could make it to 77 years. Age-wise I don't think we can live that long. Rosalynn and Jimmy can certainly teach young couples a lot about staying together. Have a great week.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (43526)
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20 Nov 23
I think they were fortunate that up until the last few years, they were able to be fairly active and seemed to spend time doing what they enjoyed doing.
You’re right, Linda. They set a fine example of a lasting legacy of life and love.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (43526)
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24 Nov 23
@porwest
Real life fairly tales are the best ones. Unfortunately, they don't happen very often.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (43526)
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22 Nov 23
It almost makes me believe in fairly tales. So sweet.
1 person likes this
@popciclecold (39943)
• United States
20 Nov 23
You sure don't see that kind of love now.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (115601)
• Marion, Ohio
20 Nov 23
They had a long life together. I don't think it will be long for him
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (43526)
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20 Nov 23
No, I’m sure he is ready and he’s made his peace with it.
1 person likes this
