WASHINGTON: Former US first lady Rosalynn Carter, the wife of former president Jimmy Carter, died at age 96 at her home in Georgia, the couple's non-profit organization announced.

"Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, a passionate champion of mental health, caregiving, and women's rights, passed away Sunday, Nov. 19, at 2:10 p.m. at her home in Plains, Georgia, at the age of 96. She died peacefully, with family by her side," the Carter Center said in a statement.