As we reach the first anniversary of Rosalynn Carter’s passing, her devoted husband, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, continues to navigate life without his cherished partner. At the age of 100, President Carter has spent over a year and a half in hospice care, enduring this profound loss. Rosalynn left this world on November 19, 2023, at 96 years old, a day that greatly reshaped his life.

“He’s surrounded by family, friends, and an abundance of love, yet he misses Mrs. Carter terribly, every single day,” shares Paige Alexander, CEO of The Carter Center, in a heartfelt chat with PEOPLE. Despite this heavy absence, Alexander notes that Carter remains linked to the world, although not at the helm of his esteemed foundation, which continues its important work without him.

The Carter Center, lovingly established by the Carters in 1982, has been pivotal in furthering human rights, easing human afflictions, and enhancing mental health care. In the wake of Rosalynn’s departure, those upholding their legacy feel a deepened dedication to the causes she championed, particularly in mental health and caregiving.

“In many ways, it’s reignited our passion,” Alexander explained, describing the Center’s sustained global initiatives. “Globally and nationally, we’ve expanded upon the work she commenced. We’ve set up a mental health and caregiving office in Washington, D.C., we’re transitioning our mental health program from Liberia to other African regions, and we actively engaged in the UN General Assembly on mental health matters last September.”

Throughout their impactful careers, the Carters were intensely involved in The Carter Center’s activities, frequently spotted walking its halls hand in hand, joining meetings, and attending special events. Alexander reminisced, “They would stroll through the halls here, holding hands, moving from one meeting to another, turning off lights when others forgot. They were regularly on the road… truly our working compatriots.”

Though Rosalynn is no longer physically present at The Carter Center, her enduring influence continues to inspire all who were acquainted with her. Alexander noted the warm acknowledgment of Rosalynn’s contributions, with special recognition of her tireless work in mental health advocacy. “First ladies often get overshadowed, so it was heartwarming to see her receive due acclaim for all she achieved in mental health and caregiving,” she shared.

As The Carter Center forges ahead, Alexander stressed the significance of advancing Rosalynn’s mission. “Those who had the privilege to know and collaborate with Mrs. Carter feel they’ve absorbed her legacy, and those who didn’t now recognize they’re inheriting a remarkably powerful tradition,” Alexander emphasized.

Looking forward, The Carter Center intends to harness contemporary tools and initiatives, like the Rosalynn Carter Journalist Fellowship program, to amplify voices within the mental health arena. Alexander aims for these efforts to spark vital discussions that transform the perception of mental health across the country.

Commemorating Rosalynn Carter on the anniversary of her passing evokes feelings of both gratitude and pride. Alexander fondly remembered her as “selfless, thoughtful, perceptive, a good listener, and service-oriented.” Rosalynn, reflecting on her life, once said, “I’d like to think people recognized that I seized the opportunities I was given and did my utmost.”

Her legacy of service not only guides The Carter Center’s ongoing work but also continues to inspire future generations.