PLAINS, Ga. — It’s a love story nearly eight decades in the making. Jimmy Carter said many times that his favorite title wasn’t president of the United States. It was husband to Rosalynn.
With persistence, patience and passion these two built an unbreakable bond.
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter began laying the foundation for their journey together in Plains, Georgia.
A small farming town where they were born and raised on the same street.
“I want to be remembered as a good husband for Rosalynn." Jimmy said.
They started dating in 1945 when Mr. Carter then a midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD needed a date when he was home.
His younger sister, Ruth, set him up with a friend 18-year old Eleanor Rosalynn Smith --- whom Mr. Carter was already eyeing.
Coincidentally, Mrs. Carter also had a secret crush on 21-year old Carter after noticing his photos, in military uniform, at the Carter family home.
Following their first date Mr. Carter told his mother he met his future wife.
He was right. They married shortly after his graduation in 1946 and after Rosalynn turned down his earlier proposals twice.
The couple celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary over the summer.
"When I was growing up, high school, college, I didn't think I would ever get married. I didn't like boys, it was boys back then because it was that period. But I didn't know how to talk to them, I didn't want to go out with them." Rosalynn said. “And then along came Jimmy Carter and my life's been an adventure ever since. Thank you, I love you."
That adventure includes four children the Georgia governor's mansion and the campaign trail for president.
President Carter called Mrs. Carter his secret weapon.
In the White House, the two worked together focused on human rights, global peace efforts and mental health awareness.
"The most exciting memory and one of my favorites on Inauguration Day, was walking along Pennsylvania Avenue with my family." Jimmy said.
The former president says —of his four years in the White House — the best part was bonding with his loved ones.
"We had a good family life in the White House.” Jimmy said.
Carter lost his bid for re-election in 1980. That devastated the couple, so, they returned to a place where they could find peace Plains, Georgia.
With the framework of their lives securely fastened the Carters grew closer bonding in service.
They constructed hundreds of homes and the Carter Center — a human rights nonprofit — working tirelessly, even through Mr. Carter's cancer diagnosis.
"What's going to be next? Well, one thing I know, it's going to be something because Jimmy Carter's miserable if he's not doing something." Rosalynn said.
Mr. Carter described their marriage as a full partnership a lasting legacy of love, they built together.
One for the history books.
Hometown sweethearts "turned, the longest married presidential couple.”
"To my wife Rosalynn, I want to express a particular gratitude for being the right woman that I chose for my wife." Jimmy said.