Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Raised Four Children Together: A Look at Their Family

Chris Barilla - Author
By

PUBLISHED May 4 2021, 3:57 p.m. ET

UPDATED Nov. 20 2023, 1:04 p.m. ET

US President Jimmy Carter, First Lady Rosalynn Carter, and their daughter, Amy, wave to supporters from the stage at the 1980 Democratic National Convention.
Source: Getty Images

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter with daughter Amy at the 1980 Democratic National Convention

The Gist:

  • Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter welcomed three sons and a daughter together.
  • The Carter family tree includes a combination of 22 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
  • Sadly, Rosalynn passed away in November 2023.
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Through his time in the White House, President Jimmy Carter endeared himself to millions of Americans with his charm and quick wit. After his years in office, he became widely known as the "best ex-president" thanks to his commitment to important causes, from his partnership with Habitat for Humanity to his work in eradicating diseases. He even won a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

One of his biggest successes in life, of course, has been his family. The Carter family tree today is as sprawling as it could be, but where did it all start?

Here's a look at the former president's kids, as well as various other aspects of his life.

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jimmy carter CABC
Source: Getty Images

Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, welcomed four children together.

Jimmy and Rosalynn welcomed three sons and a daughter. Eldest son John (aka Jack) was born in 1947, followed by James (aka Chip) in 1950 and Donnel (aka Jeff) in 1952. Daughter Amy came in 1967.

When Jimmy became president in 1977, his three sons were all relatively grown, but Amy spent some of her formative years in the White House.

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Jack — who earned a degree in nuclear physics before going to law school — has worked as both a lawyer and politician. Chip also worked in politics before becoming head of his parents' international exchange program Friendship Force. Jeff's studies in computer cartography led him to co-found the company Computer Mapping Consultants. And Amy got her master's in art history and became known for her politically activism, eventually joining the board of counselors at the Carter Center.

A portrait of President Jimmy Carter and his extended family.
Source: CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images

A portrait of President Jimmy Carter and his extended family. Left to right: Judy (Mrs. Jack Carter); Jason James Carter; Jack (John William Carter); Annette (Mrs. Jeff Carter); Jeff (Donnel Jeffrey Carter); First Lady Rosalynn Carter; daughter Amy Lynn Carter; President Carter; daughter-in law Caron Griffin Carter holding James Earl Carter IV; and son Chip (James Earl Carter III). 1977-1980

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In the past, the former president has been very candid about how important his family is to him. In a 2015 CNN interview, he said, "We have a big family now. We have 22 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, 38 of us in all. So, we try to hold our family together and just enjoy the family life."

This is exactly what Jimmy has done, as he has mentioned that the entire family has vacationed together on holidays for the last two decades.

Jimmy Carter making a speech
Source: Getty Images
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Beyond his four children, Jimmy has an expansive list of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

As he mentioned, the former president has 22 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, which is a pretty impressive amount of offspring. Two grandchildren belong to Jack, two belong to Chip, three belong to Jeff, and one belongs to Amy.

Jimmy's grandchildren have since had kids as well.

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Rosalynn Carter passed away in November 2023.

Following a battle with dementia, Rosalynn died peacefully in her home on Nov. 19, 2023. Jimmy and Rosalynn married in 1946, and Rosalynn did the bookkeeping after Jimmy took over his dad's peanut farm. She was instrumental to Jimmy's political career as well. An advocate for mental health and women's rights, Rosalynn was her husband's closest adviser and was the first First Lady to occupy her own active office in the White House.

In a statement following her passing, Jimmy said, “Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished. 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.”

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Jimmy Carter's net worth reflects the many things he has accomplished in life.

Although it's a known fact that the U.S. president doesn't make a huge salary, Jimmy's accomplishments reportedly nabbed him a high net worth. According to Celebrity Net Worth, the former president has a whopping $10 million to his name.

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