Yesterday, November 19, 2023, our nation lost an incredible First Lady, Rosalynn Carter. Mrs. Carter was our First Lady beginning the second semester of my sixth-grade year at Washington Elementary School in Elwood, Indiana. I got to visit the Carter White House in 1978 and we came within a few minutes of getting to see her. I will always admire and respect this wonderful woman.

“Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished,” the former president said in a statement. “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.” – President Jimmy Carter

On this date: (2006) American filmmaker Robert Altman—an unconventional and independent director whose works emphasized character and atmosphere over plot in exploring themes of innocence, corruption, and survival—died at age 81. (1998) American tobacco companies signed an agreement with the governments of 46 U.S. states to settle the states’ claims for reimbursement of Medicaid funds they had expended to treat smoking-related illnesses, the settlement costing the tobacco manufacturers $206 billion beyond the $40 billion they had agreed to pay four other states in 1997. (1992) A massive fire erupted at Windsor Castle in Berkshire, England, causing the destruction of 115 rooms, though the priceless art collection was largely untouched; it took nearly five years to repair the damage. (1975) Francisco Franco, ruler of Spain since his overthrow of the democratic government in 1939, died at age 82. (1947) The future Queen Elizabeth II married Philip Mountbatten at Westminster Abbey. (1925) American politician Robert F. Kennedy—who held several posts in the administration of his brother President John F. Kennedy and later served as a U.S. senator before being assassinated—was born. (1910) Russian author Leo Tolstoy, suffering from pneumonia, died of heart failure at the railroad station of Astapovo.

Make it a great day!