Jimmy Carter's words to Rosalynn: Amy Carter reads 75-year-old letter at memorial service

During Rosalynn Carter's memorial service Tuesday in Atlanta, Amy Carter read a letter her father Jimmy Carter wrote to Rosalynn 75 years ago while he was in the Navy.

Former President Carter, 99, was in attendance at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church on the campus at Emory University. Since her father was unable to speak, Amy Carter chose to read his words to Rosalynn about loving and missing her during their time living in Hawaii when he was in the service.

"My darling, every time I have ever been away from you, I have been thrilled when I returned to discover just how wonderful you are," the letter said. "While I'm away, I tried to convince myself that you really are not, could not be, as sweet and beautiful as I remember. But when I see you, I fall in love with you all over again. Does that seem strange to you? It doesn't to me. Goodbye, darling. Until tomorrow, Jimmy."

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter were married 77 years. They had four children — Jack, James Earl "Chip", Donnel and Amy. Rosalynn Carter died at their home in Plains on Sunday, Nov. 19 after a brief stay in hospice. She was 96.

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This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Jimmy Carter letter to Rosalynn: What Amy Carter read at service