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Former President Jimmy Carter, recognized as the longest-living U.S. president, passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at the remarkable age of 100. The Carter Center confirmed that he died peacefully in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his beloved family. In honor of his legacy, he will lie in state at the Capitol, with a memorial service scheduled for Thursday, January 9, 2025. This marks a significant moment for the nation as we remember a leader who dedicated his life to public service and humanitarian efforts.

In a poignant turn of events, just prior to his passing, Jimmy Carter laid his wife, Rosalynn Carter, to rest on November 28, 2023. Rosalynn’s memorial service followed her announcement of receiving hospice care in February, which occurred nine months earlier. After enduring several brief hospital stays, Jimmy chose to spend his final days at home with his family, opting for hospice care over further medical treatment, as stated by The Carter Center. This decision reflects the couple’s deep bond and commitment to one another.

The announcement of Rosalynn’s passing came shortly after she entered hospice care in early November, following a diagnosis of dementia. In the wake of her death, former President Carter expressed heartfelt tributes, stating, “Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished.” He emphasized the invaluable support she provided, saying, “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.” This touching reflection speaks volumes about their enduring partnership.

Beyond his remarkable presidency, the former Georgia senator dedicated his life to humanitarian work after serving in the White House from 1977 to 1981. He became synonymous with Habitat for Humanity, tirelessly advocating for housing solutions for the less fortunate. His commitment to global humanitarian efforts culminated in receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, recognizing his tireless work to promote peace and alleviate poverty worldwide.

Reflecting on his life in a 2017 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Jimmy stated, “When I was president of the most powerful and influential nation on earth, I had more total influence over peace and progress and things like that. But, the last 35 years since I’ve left the White House have been the most challenging and interesting and adventurous and unpredictable and gratifying times of my life.” His insights reveal a profound understanding of his journey and the impact of his life’s work.

In addition to his extraordinary public service, Carter enjoyed a fulfilling personal life. He married his childhood sweetheart, Rosalyn Smith, on July 7, 1946, and together they welcomed a loving family with four children. In a 2015 interview with CNN, he expressed that his wife and children are “the foundation for my entire enjoyment of life.” He noted, “We have a big family now, we have 22 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, totaling 38 of us. So, we try to hold our family together and just enjoy family life.”

To delve deeper into the lives of Carter’s children, continue reading below.

Meet Jack Carter: The Eldest Son of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter

The Carter family’s eldest child, Jack Carter, was born on July 3, 1947, in Portsmouth, Virginia, during his father’s naval service, as noted by The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library. After completing his studies at Georgia Tech, Emory University, and Georgia Southwestern, Jack served in the Navy. He returned to Georgia in 1971, where he married Judy Langford, and they welcomed two children: Jason James born August 7, 1975, and Sarah Rosemary born on December 19, 1978.

Jack went on to earn a degree in nuclear physics at Georgia Tech, followed by a law degree at the University of Georgia. He ventured into the political arena in 2006, running as the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Nevada, although he was ultimately defeated by the Republican incumbent. His foray into politics reflects the family’s tradition of public service and engagement.

In 1992, Jack remarried. His second wife, Elizabeth Brasfield, brought two children from a previous relationship: John Chuldenko and Sarah Reynold, as reported by Country Living. This blended family continues the legacy of the Carter family, emphasizing the importance of connection and support.

Discover James ‘Chip’ Carter: A Dedicated Public Servant

Born on April 12, 1950, in Honolulu, Hawaii, James “Chip” Carter is the second child of Jimmy and Rosalynn. As a dedicated attorney, he served as a state senator in Georgia from 1995 to 1999, contributing significantly to public policy and community service.

On June 23, 1973, Chip married Caron Griffin, whom he met while working on his father’s campaign for Georgia governor, according to People. Together, they welcomed a son named James Earl Carter IV on February 25, 1977. After their divorce in 1979, Chip married Ginger Hodges, with whom he had a daughter named Margaret Alicia Carter on September 23, 1987. Ultimately, this marriage ended in divorce in 2001, and Chip later married his third wife, Becky Payne.

Following the passing of his mother, Chip released an emotional statement honoring the former first lady. “Her life of service and compassion was an example for all Americans. She will be sorely missed not only by our family but by the many people who have better mental health care and access to resources for caregiving today,” he stated. This tribute highlights her significant impact on many lives.

Chip confirmed his father’s death on December 29 in a heartfelt statement, declaring, “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love. My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.”

Meet Donnel ‘Jeff’ Carter: Innovator and Family Man

Donnel “Jeff” Carter was born on August 18, 1952, in New London, Connecticut. After graduating from George Washington University in 1978 with a degree in geography specializing in computer cartography, he co-founded a company named Computer Mapping Consultants. This venture demonstrated his innovative spirit and commitment to leveraging technology for practical solutions.

Together with his wife, Annette Jene Davis, Jeff welcomed three sons: Joshua, Jeremy, and James. Tragically, Jeremy passed away at the age of 28 in 2015, following a medical emergency at home. This profound loss undoubtedly impacted the family deeply. Annette also passed away on September 19, 2021, at the age of 68, leaving behind a legacy of love and strength.

Explore the Life of Amy Lynn Carter: A Legacy of Activism and Art

The youngest child and only daughter of Jimmy and Rosalynn, Amy Carter, was born on October 19, 1967, in Plains, Georgia. She was just 10 years old when her family moved into the White House, a significant transition that shaped her early experiences. Amy became known for her political activism during her twenties, where she advocated for various causes. She later earned a bachelor’s degree from the Memphis College of Art in 1991 and illustrated her father’s children’s book, The Little Baby Snoogle-Fleejer, showcasing her artistic talents.

Continuing her educational journey, Amy obtained a master’s degree in art history from Tulane University in 1996. That same year, she married computer consultant James Wentzel, and the couple welcomed their son Hugo in July 1999, further enriching the Carter family legacy.