This song embodies the love of Rosalynn & Jimmy Carter, former president's grandson says

A song written and performed by acclaimed musician/writer Jason Isbell personifies Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter's 77-year marriage, their grandson Jason Carter said in a social media post.

Rosalynn Carter died on Sunday. The former first lady was 96. Amid a wave of tributes and stories this week, Jason Carter posted about Isbell's song "Flagship" on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter: "Hey @JasonIsbell you may not have known it, but you wrote this about my grandparents. Jimmy and Rosalynn. From a small town in Georgia. They were the flagship of the fleet for sure."

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter went on their first date in 1945, Jimmy proposed a year later and they were married July 7, 1946.

"I can't really quantify it all, describe it in words. But I knew that she was quiet. She was extremely intelligent. She was very timid, by the way, beautiful, and there was just something about her that was irresistible," Carter told Oprah Winfrey in 2015.

'That's the pinnacle of my life' Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter reflected on their historic marriage

More: Rosalynn Carter fondly remembered by those in the Athens area who knew her

Recent: Politicians, activists react to the death of former first lady Rosalynn Carter

Isbell's opening lyrics on "Flagship" describes a couple in a hotel bar "sitting there a thousand miles apart," before the chorus. "Baby let's not ever get that wayI'll say whatever words I need to sayI'll throw rocks at your window from the streetAnd we'll call ourselves the flagship of the fleet"

The love Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter had for music, including rock-and-roll, country and jazz, is well documented. Their favorites included the Allman Brothers Band, Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan. A documentary titled “Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President,” was released in 2020.

"Just flat out bawling now," Isbell, the 4-time Grammy winner who was recently nominated in three categories this year, wrote in response to Jason Carter.

Isbell also wrote: "Jason we all grieve for your grandmother and your beautiful family. I truly wish there were more Carters in the world. My love to y'all."

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Jimmy Carter & Rosalynn's marriage embodied by Isbell song, grandson says