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The Carter Legacy Unveiled: 5 Things You Didn't Know About Jimmy Carter's Family After His Passing

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The passing of former President Jimmy Carter on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100, marked the end of an extraordinary life of public service, but the enduring legacy of the Carter family is far from over. His death, coming just 13 months after the passing of his beloved wife, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, has turned the global spotlight back onto the four children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren who are now tasked with carrying forward the family's unparalleled commitment to human rights, democracy, and humanitarian work. This article, updated in December 2025, provides a fresh look at the current lives of the Carter descendants and the powerful institutions they continue to lead in the wake of their parents' deaths.

The Carter Family: A Complete Biography and Profile

The family of James Earl Carter Jr. is one of the most prominent in American political history, known for its deep roots in Plains, Georgia, and a commitment to service that extended far beyond the White House. The former President and his wife, Rosalynn Smith Carter, were married for 77 years, the longest marriage of any presidential couple.

Former President Jimmy Carter (James Earl Carter Jr.)

  • Born: October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia.
  • Died: December 29, 2024, at age 100.
  • Wife: Eleanor Rosalynn Smith (Married 1946; Died November 19, 2023).
  • Education: U.S. Naval Academy (1946).
  • Career Highlights: U.S. Naval Officer, Georgia State Senator, 76th Governor of Georgia, 39th President of the United States (1977–1981), Founder of The Carter Center, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate (2002).

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter (Eleanor Rosalynn Smith)

  • Born: August 18, 1927, in Plains, Georgia.
  • Died: November 19, 2023, at age 96.
  • Legacy: Tireless advocate for mental health, caregivers, and immunization, co-founder of The Carter Center.

The Carter Children and Descendants

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter had four children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

  • John William "Jack" Carter (Born 1947): Eldest son, businessman, politician, and environmentalist.
  • James Earl "Chip" Carter III (Born 1950): Involved in political and non-profit work.
  • Donnel Jeffrey "Jeff" Carter (Born 1952): Youngest son, private life, recently revealed to be battling Parkinson's disease.
  • Amy Lynn Carter (Born 1967): Only daughter, a political activist in her youth, now an educator and artist.

The Next Generation: Who is Upholding the Carter Legacy?

The Carter family has always been defined by its humanitarian work, particularly through The Carter Center. Following the deaths of its founders, the focus has shifted to the third generation, the grandchildren, who have stepped up to ensure the longevity of the Carter legacy.

Jason Carter: The New Face of The Carter Center

The most prominent member of the third generation is Jason Carter, the son of Jack Carter. Jason has effectively taken the reins of the family's primary institution. He currently serves as the Chairman of The Carter Center's Board of Trustees, a pivotal role in steering the organization's global health and peace initiatives.

A former Georgia State Senator, Jason Carter is also a practicing lawyer in Atlanta, demonstrating the family's continued blend of public service and professional life. His leadership is seen as crucial to maintaining the Center’s mission, including its work to eradicate diseases like Guinea worm and its election monitoring efforts worldwide.

James Carter IV: The Political Watchdog

Chip Carter's son, James Carter IV, has carved out a unique niche for himself, often operating behind the scenes in political intelligence. He gained national attention in 2012 for his role in uncovering the infamous "47 percent" video, a significant turning point in that year's presidential election.

While maintaining a relatively low profile, James IV's work highlights the family's ongoing, albeit sometimes indirect, influence on American politics and public discourse. He represents the continued political awareness and engagement instilled by his grandparents.

The Children's Current Roles and Private Struggles

While the grandchildren are leading the public-facing humanitarian efforts, the four children of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter continue to honor their parents through personal endeavors and quiet resilience.

1. Chip Carter and The Friendship Force

James Earl "Chip" Carter III has been deeply involved in non-profit work, following the path of his parents. He previously served as the President of The Friendship Force, an international organization founded in 1977 during his father's presidency to promote global understanding through cultural exchange.

Chip is also a vocal supporter and participant in the annual Habitat for Humanity’s Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project, which his parents championed for decades. His public appearances often focus on sharing the lessons of hard work and community commitment taught by his father, often referencing his childhood on the Carter peanut farm in Plains.

2. Jack Carter's Business and Political Ventures

John William "Jack" Carter, the eldest son, has a background in business, politics, and environmentalism. His career includes a notable run for the U.S. Senate in Nevada in 2006.

Jack has maintained a strong connection to his father's legacy of service, though his professional life has been more varied than his siblings. His son, Jason Carter, is the one who has most directly inherited the mantle of the family's humanitarian leadership.

3. Jeff Carter's Quiet Battle with Parkinson's

Donnel Jeffrey "Jeff" Carter, the youngest son, has always preferred a life out of the public eye. In a recent update, his son Josh Carter confirmed that Jeff has been quietly navigating life with Parkinson's disease for some time.

This news provides a poignant, personal context to the family's life, highlighting their focus on private health and self-care after years of public service. Jeff’s battle is a private struggle supported by the close-knit Carter clan.

4. Amy Carter's Life as an Educator

Amy Lynn Carter, the only daughter, was a fixture in the White House as a child and later became known for her political activism. In recent years, Amy has embraced a very private life, largely stepping away from the public spotlight.

She has worked as an educator, teaching art part-time at the Paideia School in Atlanta, where her children attended. Her career choice reflects a quiet commitment to community and education, a value deeply rooted in the Carter family’s history, which includes the President’s nurse mother, Lillian Gordy Carter (Miss Lillian).

The Future of The Carter Center and Plains, Georgia

The passing of both President and Mrs. Carter has solidified The Carter Center's transition from an organization led by its founders to one driven by their institutional vision and the next generation. The Center, which focuses on advancing peace and health, remains a global powerhouse and the primary vehicle for the Carter legacy.

Under the leadership of Jason Carter, the Center is poised to continue its work, relying on the robust infrastructure and reputation built over four decades. The principles of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning former president—human rights, conflict resolution, and disease eradication—will continue to guide its mission.

Furthermore, the small town of Plains, Georgia, where the family's history as peanut farmers began, remains the spiritual home of the Carter legacy. The Carter Presidential Library and Museum and the family home continue to draw visitors, serving as a permanent memorial to a life dedicated to service, faith, and family. The family's enduring story is now one of transition, from the towering figures of Jimmy and Rosalynn to the dedicated efforts of their children and grandchildren who carry the torch forward.

jimmy carters family
jimmy carters family

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