Rosalynn Carter, the mild-mannered but determined wife of President Jimmy Carter who advocated for mental health and a gentler nation, died yesterday at home in Plains, Ga. with her family by her side. She was 96. Via New York Daily News:

A small-town working woman with an airtight bond to her husband, Carter represented a new type of first lady: She toted a briefcase to the White House, traveled often and picked up the nickname “Steel Magnolia” as she pushed for human rights abroad and at home.

She became known as a tireless campaigner and an effective — if initially reluctant — public speaker. Beyond simply supporting her husband’s political career, she emerged as a significant voice in Washington, setting her focus on increasing childhood immunizations, bolstering access to mental health care and battling gender inequality.

“Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished,” former President Carter, 99, said in a statement Sunday. “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.”