The AT&T Performing Arts Center is mourning the loss of arts patron and philanthropist, Edward W. “Rusty” Rose, III, who together with his wife Evelyn Potter “Deedie” Rose, was a longtime supporter of the arts in Dallas, among their many other philanthropic endeavors.

Rose was married for 51 years to Deedie Rose, a founding member of the Center’s Board. In 2007, the Roses increased their gift to build the Center to a total of $10 million, one of the largest gifts to the campaign. In recognition of their generosity, the performance hall in the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre was named Potter Rose Performance Hall to incorporate the names of Mrs. Rose’s father and husband.

“Rusty and Deedie were among the first supporters of the campaign to build a performing arts center in Dallas,” said Board Chair Matrice Ellis-Kirk. “Without their generosity and passion, the Center would not exist today, and for that, we will always be grateful. We extend our deepest sympathies to the Rose family.”