Inside Jimmy Carter and Wife Rosalynn Carter's 8-Decade Love Story

As I delve deeper into the extraordinary lives of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, I am consistently struck by the profound impact they have had not just on their country, but on the world at large. Their dedication to peace, service, and each other is truly inspiring.

When Eleanor Rosalynn Smith first laid eyes on Jimmy Carter, he was a fascinating older boy.

In my early years, I was just three while she was barely a week old, and it was my mother – a dedicated nurse – who assisted in her delivery in our humble town of Plains, Georgia. Yet, that was merely the beginning of an extraordinary journey.

The long-term couple, who became U.S. President and First Lady, held the record for the longest marriage in American history, a union spanning over 77 years. Their marital bond persisted until November 19, 2023, when the First Lady passed away at the age of 96.

Jimmy, who’s been under hospice care since February 2023, intends to be buried on the property in Plains where they spent the majority of their married life together.

However, as he marks his 100th birthday on October 1st, the 39th president of the United States is reportedly “deeply involved and still having meaningful experiences, even laughing and showing affection,” according to grandson Jason Carter in an interview with People magazine in September.

In May 2023, The Carter Center declared that Rosalynn was coping with dementia yet was still living contentedly alongside her spouse, cherishing the beauty of spring in Plains and spending time with dear family members.

Following her passing, a grand memorial service took place in Atlanta for the great-grandmother of 14. Later, a smaller, private funeral occurred at Maranatha Baptist Church, where Jimmy often taught Sunday school. The latest public appearance by the former president was a short visit to his annual hometown peanut festival in September 2023.

Jason, Jimmy’s oldest grandchild, expressed in June to Southern Living that it seems no one truly comprehends his current situation. He emphasized that we should accept this reality, acknowledging that certain aspects of the human spirit remain a mystery and beyond our understanding.

Apart from their brief residency at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue for four years, the Carter family’s home has always been the single-story house located at 209 Woodland Drive, which they constructed themselves back in 1961, and where Jimmy is currently receiving care as well.

The house they’ve always owned isn’t run-down, as they were involved in its renovation, including knocking down a wall in 2010, even earning the title of world ambassador for Habitat for Humanity. However, compared to the standard homes of modern ex-presidents, this four-bedroom dwelling is rather humble.

In an interview with The Washington Post back in 2018, I, Carter, made it clear that I do not hold other former commanders-in-chief accountable for capitalizing on lucrative business ventures after departing the White House. For me, personally, wealth accumulation was never a driving ambition.

After finishing dinner, he rose from the table for his usual evening stroll with his beloved, holding hands together.

Jimmy and Rosalynn, being the eldest among four siblings, spent their childhoods just a few miles apart from each other in the small town of Plains (population 553 in 2021). He lived on a farm, while she resided in a modest house located centrally within the town. The town lacked a movie theater, recreation center, or even a library, making school and church the primary hubs for learning and social interaction.

Rosalynn completed Plains High School as the salutatorian during World War II, and when she attended Georgia Southwestern College in Americus afterwards, there weren’t many eligible young men available. In her 1984 autobiography “First Lady From Plains“, she described their social life as rather dismal, with dreams of love and romance being lofty at that time.

However, during her visits to her old friend Ruth Carter, Rosalynn found herself drawn to a family photo hanging on Ruth’s wall, featuring her brother Jimmy who was studying at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.

In her writing, Rosalynn expressed that he was the most strikingly attractive young man she had ever come across. Having known him since I could recall my earliest memories, our age difference of three years usually kept us apart during our childhood years. Additionally, he spent the better part of four years away at school.

She went on to say, “I can’t recall ever exchanging words with him, except for that time we bought ice cream from him one hot summer in the old bank on Main Street. He was like a distant star to me, so elegant and unattainable.

Ruth was eager to play cupid, but Rosalynn found herself overwhelmed with anxiety, fearing that reality wouldn’t live up to her mental image. Unsure of what to say to Jimmy if they ever crossed paths, she remembered in her memoir feeling a strange sense of relief that she and the midshipman remained strangers passing in the night.

Simultaneously, she penned, “I realized that this was the individual I’d grow to be enamored with, the one I yearned for affection from, though I never imagined it would come true.

In the summer of 1945, just before Jimmy was due to return to Annapolis, Ruth was eager to bring Jimmy and Rosalynn closer. She arranged a picnic at the Pond House, a popular spot constructed by Jimmy’s father, James Earl Carter Sr, and it was there that they had a chance to talk for a while. Jimmy playfully joked about Rosalynn using salad dressing instead of mayonnaise on her sandwich.

The then-17-year-old didn’t mind him poking fun at her, though, she wrote. And afterward, as they were cleaning up, “I discovered I could talk, actually talk, to him.”

Initially, Rosalynn believed Jimmy only considered her as his sister’s friend. However, an unexpected turn of events occurred later in the day. After leaving a youth group gathering at Plains United Methodist Church, Jimmy pulled up and asked her to join him, Ruth, and her boyfriend on a double date to the movies.

Thirty-five years later, Rosalynn found herself writing about an unforgettable day in her journal. She couldn’t precisely recall the details, but the date had been nothing short of magical. Jimmy planted a surprise kiss on her as they left—a daring first for her during their initial outing together—and she discovered herself smitten by a genuine individual, not just a picture-perfect face.

The following day, Carter informed his mother, Bessie “Miss Lillian” Carter, that he planned to marry Rosalynn. This way, the sentence maintains the same meaning but presents it in a more conversational and easy-to-understand manner.

“I didn’t know that for years,” Rosalynn told the Post in 2018.

In 1945, she wasn’t aware that Jimmy had another date arranged for the night following their outing with her, and he was due to depart for Annapolis on a midnight train. This knowledge made Rosalynn hesitant to comply with Ruth’s persuasion to accompany the Carter family to the station and bid Jimmy farewell.

However, she departed. On the platform, Jimmy privately spoke with Rosalynn, expressed his regret for not spending the evening with her, and requested her to compose something. Notably, Annelle Gray (a certain woman) wed a medical student and settled in Macon, as mentioned in his 2015 memoir Jimmy Carter: A Full Life. The book’s dedication read, “To Rosalynn, who has always filled my life with affection.

At first, Jimmy suggested Rosalynn should leave the house and enjoy herself without waiting for him, which only made her angry. Consequently, she began writing to him about the male friends she was hanging out with (though he didn’t have to know they were just friends). Eventually, he demanded that their relationship become exclusive.

Which is what she wanted all along.

Reminiscing during a Habitat for Humanity press conference in 2019, I found myself reflecting on an old memory. When I first asked Rosalynn to be my wife, she politely declined. That was our humble beginning, but it led us to a beautiful journey together.

1945 marked the Christmas break for him, and it was the first time he returned home since their single date with Rosalynn. Overwhelmed by the encounter, she couldn’t immediately agree. As she revealed in “First Lady From Plains”, she wasn’t self-assured enough to accept a suitor as eligible as him. Additionally, she had made a pledge to her late father that she would complete her college education.

During our second break, I found myself yearning deeply for marriage with Jimmy. When he popped the question again that February weekend during President’s Day, I couldn’t have been more thrilled. He outdid modern-day romance by presenting me with a tiny, antiquated compass engraved with “ILYTG” – an expression of love that transcended instant messaging slang by half a century.

While they were engaged, Jimmy shared with Rosalynn a book titled “The Navy Wives’ Handbook“, which she eagerly read through, thrilled at the prospect of joining him in any location other than Plains.

Back in the summer of 1946, I exchanged vows with my partner at Plains Methodist Church, marking a new chapter in our lives. Having both completed our academic journeys at our respective institutions, we decided to tie the knot in an intimate ceremony. Rather than following traditional routes, we didn’t send out formal invitations. Instead, we let it be known that those who wished to celebrate with us were more than welcome to join us on this special day.

Rosalynn remembered that although the bride was only 18 and the groom 20, most people believed they were too young. However, her mother, Frances, appeared content because her daughter seemed so joyful.

During the initial phase of their married life, The Carters resided at a naval base in Norfolk, Virginia. Jimmy was often away for work during the week, while Rosalynn took up a quick education in household management.

The initial offspring of the pair, named John William “Jack” Carter, came into the world on July 3, 1947. As a result, they celebrated their first anniversary as a family of three at the hospital itself. In the subsequent year, Jimmy was chosen for submarine training in New London, Connecticut, which granted him consistent work hours that allowed him to be with his spouse and child each evening at home.

They had a son named James Earl “Chip” Carter III on April 12, 1950, while residing in Hawaii. After that, they relocated to San Diego, California, then returned to New London, where son Donnel Jeffrey “Jeff” Carter was born on August 18, 1952. Later, they shifted to Schenectady, New York, so Jimmy could pursue his studies in nuclear power at Union College.

Instead of saying “Rosalynn has stated that she intended to be a Navy wife, relocating from one city to another and exploring the globe alongside her husband,” you could rephrase it as “Rosalynn had planned on living as a Navy wife, traveling from place to place and witnessing the world with her spouse. However, this journey unfolded differently than she ever anticipated.

Initially, Jimmy was pursuing a career on a nuclear submarine; however, when his father passed away in 1953, he chose to take some time off and return to Plains with his wife and sons to manage their peanut farm out of family obligation. Surprisingly, Rosalynn didn’t plan on returning to the place where it all began (she was “shocked and enraged,” as Jimmy wrote in A Full Life). Yet, over time, the Carters found themselves not only tending to their farm but also collaborating on its management as well.

In 2021, prior to their 75th wedding anniversary, Rosalynn shared with the Associated Press that she had a deeper understanding of the business on paper compared to him. However, he often sought her counsel and followed her advice on various matters.

By the early 1960s, they owned approximately 3,200 acres of land and their supply company, Carter’s Warehouse, had become a convenient all-in-one stop for nearby farmers.

When Jimmy chose to join politics, Rosalynn proved invaluable as the more politically adept of the two, a fact Jimmy openly acknowledged. While she might feel reserved at social gatherings, Jimmy noted that she was personable, engaging, and astute. He soon discovered that people were more likely to share their views or worries with her than they were with him.

Rosalynn expressed her fondness to AP for their diamond anniversary piece,” she said. “I adore political campaigns. The last time we ran, I had an incredible experience and was able to campaign across all the states in America, without fail, each day.

1962 marked the beginning of Rosalynn’s husband’s political journey when he won a seat in the Georgia State Senate. This was something she only learned about after asking if he was attending a funeral, dressed in a somber suit. In her memoir, “A Full Life,” Jimmy described it as implausible to imagine him embarking on a public office career without discussing it with Rosalynn first. Fortunately for him, she showed great enthusiasm and happiness about the prospect.

Following two terms in the state senate, Jimmy joined the Democratic primary for governor in 1966 to challenge the assumed Democratic candidate, segregationist Lester Maddox. However, Maddox secured the nomination despite Jimmy’s bid. In the election, Maddox faced a Republican and an independent, but since he didn’t garner a majority of votes, the Democratic-controlled state legislature, in accordance with the state constitution, appointed him as governor.

Jimmy felt profoundly let down and disenchanted about politics, as well as his overall perspective on life, as he put it in his writing.

During his break from politics, he deepened his dedication to Christianity, which was a fundamental part of him throughout his life. Additionally, after 14 years of a back-and-forth discussion with Rosalynn, Jimmy Carter, a man striving to be a father, was successful in this endeavor and welcomed their daughter Amy Lynn Carter on October 19, 1967.

In November 1970, Jimmy was chosen as governor, yet he harbored ambitions for an even more prominent position. Then, in 1974, he assumed the role of chair for the Democratic National Committee. Come December that year, he officially announced his candidacy for the presidency.

As a lifestyle expert, I find myself often reflecting upon moments that encapsulate the essence of human transformation, and none resonate more deeply within me than the story of Rosalynn Carter. On January 20, 1977, as she gazed upon her husband on the brink of his inauguration, a profound sense of pride swelled within her heart. Yet, I couldn’t help but marvel at the stark contrast between that towering figure and the man who had spent the previous day mopping up our garage in Plains after a pipe burst from the cold – the same son who had humbly admitted to Miss Lillian that he had forgotten to pick her up on the way to the airport. It’s these moments of contrast, of ordinary and extraordinary, that remind us all of the boundless potential within each of us.

The problem got sorted out, and Jimmy’s mom managed to make it just in time to witness him being inaugurated as the 39th president of the U.S.

Subsequently, the president and his spouse strolled for about a mile and a half from the Capitol to the White House, holding hands.

Over the course of three-quarters of a century, I’ve had the privilege of walking hand in hand with my partner, Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter. Let me share our journey.

A striking photograph of Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter, taken during their early years as a navy officer and his newly-wed wife, is prominent at the Plains High School Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, reflecting their humble beginnings in their native Georgia town.

The Carters were capable of enjoying a personal, intimate instant, regardless if it was happening amidst a crowd of thousands during the Democratic National Convention in 1976.

Apart from Jimmy and Rosalynn, Amy Lynn Carter, their eldest daughter, John William “Jack” Carter, their eldest son, and Donnel Jeffrey “Jeff” Carter, their third son, were also present at the DNC. Jeff was accompanied by his wife, Annette Davis.

On Election Night in 1976, the couple, who were with their family in Atlanta, hugged each other in joy after discovering that Jimmy Carter had been elected as the 39th President of the United States.

On January 20, 1977, the president and his wife showcased their finest attire at a string of inaugural balls held after Jimmy’s swearing-in. Notably, Rosalynn donned a dress she had previously worn to her husband’s gubernatorial inauguration balls in 1971, which raised a few eyebrows, but Jimmy, in his book “A Full Life,” expressed pride in her beauty and grace.

Amy Lynn Carter, aged nine, along with her Siamese cat Misty Malarky Ying Yang and her dog Grits, resided at the White House starting from January 1977.

Jimmy was the first president residing in office, similar to Theodore Roosevelt, and no president has done it since, who sent his daughter Amy to a public school, specifically Thaddeus Stevens Elementary School, located in Washington, D.C.

If there were an Internet back then, this moment could have gone viral: In October 1980, during his debate with Republican opponent Ronald Reagan, President Carter referenced his daughter Amy, aged 13 at the time. He mentioned that he had spoken to her before the debate about what the most important issue was. She replied that she believed nuclear weapons and controlling nuclear arms were the key concerns.

Two days after delivering a speech, Amy was cheered on by Reagan supporters in Milwaukee who chanted her name. Reminiscing, Ronald Reagan, the future 36th president, joked about their past conversations when they were young, discussing nuclear energy together.

“Amy Carter’s ‘Ask Amy’ bumper stickers proved profitable for Republican groups swiftly, and she even graced the stage of The Tonight Show, with host Johnny Carson remarking, “Tonight’s monologue will be noteworthy as I inquired Amy Carter about the most pertinent issues to poke fun at.

By the time Jimmy was sworn in as President, the Carters might have already had a young daughter, in addition to their three daughters-in-law. Most of the family subsequently relocated to Washington.

In Georgia, Jack and his spouse, Judy Langford, had a son named Jason James Carter on August 7, 1975, and later welcomed their daughter Sarah Rosemary on December 19, 1978. After their separation, Jack tied the knot with Elizabeth Brasfield, who was already a mother of two, on May 15, 1992.

In Washington, during his father’s tenure, the Carters’ second son, James Earl “Chip” Carter III, was employed by the Democratic National Committee. His wife, Caron Griffin, who was eight months pregnant on Inauguration Day, also joined them in the White House. Despite her pregnancy, she walked a few blocks with the family along the parade route. However, an unusual event occurred when the president and first lady decided to walk the entire 1.5 miles from the Capitol to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Along the parade path, spectators started cheering and crying upon seeing us march, which made for a deeply moving and emotional moment for all of us involved, according to Jimmy’s account later on.

As a lifestyle guide, allow me to share a personal anecdote: My life took an interesting turn when my son, James Earl Carter IV, was born on the 25th of February, 1977. In August of that same year, I found myself returning to Plains, while my family—my wife and our newborn—remained with the first family. Later in 1978, I made the decision to part ways with my then-wife. Fast forward to 1987, I was blessed with another daughter, Margaret Alicia Carter, whom I welcomed into the world with my second wife, Ginger Hodges.

Chip’s been married to third wife Becky Payne since 2001.

On April 6, 1975, Jeff, the Carters’ third son, exchanged vows with his college sweetheart Annette Davis. During this time, he was also a student at George Washington University, and together, they resided in the White House.

Jeff and Annette eventually became parents to three boys: Joshua Jeffrey (born in 1984), Jeremy Davis (who passed away in 2015) and James Carlton (born in 1991). They remained together until Annette’s passing on September 19, 2021.

Rosalynn was her husband’s number-one confidante when he was president—and forever after.

“It’s a full partnership,” Carter told the AP in 2021 of his then-75-year marriage.

Jimmy and Rosalyn remain in sync at the White House in January 1979.

In the year 1995, Amy was accompanied by her father. She became a mother to her firstborn, Hugo, who was born in 1999, through her marriage with James Gregory Wentzel. Additionally, she has a son named Errol Carter Kelly, who she had with her partner John Joseph “Jay” Kelly since 2007.

The home that Jimmy and Rosalynn constructed back in 1961, where they’ve resided ever since, has consistently served as the central meeting place for their entire family.

The Carters are also blessed to be great-grandparents to Jason’s sons Henry and Thomas, along with their wife Kate; Sarah’s daughter Josephine, married to Brendan Keith Murphy; Margaret’s daughter Alicia, together with her husband Harold Edward Carter; Joshua’s sons Charles and Jonathan, with their spouse Sarah; and James’ daughter Rayna Rose, who is wedded to Anna.

It’s no wonder they earned the nickname “first lovebirds.”

Jimmy knew a thing or two about keeping the peace.

Each day, it is essential for spouses to foster understanding and conversation, as the laureate of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize advised the AP. They should aim to resolve any lingering disagreements before going to bed.

Rosalynn mentioned that Jimmy and she often seek shared activities,” she added, “but it’s crucial for each of us to have our own personal space as well.

In 2019, Jimmy shared with People that one of Jesus’ teachings resonated with him: If you possess any abilities, make an effort to use them for the betterment of others. He was referring to their nearly four decades of volunteering and advocacy work for Habitat for Humanity. “That’s what Rosa and I have always strived to do,” he added.

Over time, the Carters’ direct participation in construction decreased, but they became closely associated with the organization. This organization specializes in creating affordable housing and provides mortgage loans without interest charges, making it possible for people who couldn’t otherwise afford a home to do so.

As a dedicated enthusiast, I find myself reflecting on the fact that my cognitive abilities, much like Rosa’s, are remarkably similar to their former selves. However, it’s become apparent that our endurance and physical strength have certain limitations. Yet, we remain undeterred, striving to keep ourselves engaged and committed to excelling in our respective fields.

Over time, they became very skilled at using tools, and during a home renovation project later in life, they managed to knock down the wall of their bedroom in Plains.

2018 saw me, quite simply, immersed to my core with Habitat for Humanity. By then, working alongside them had become as natural as breathing, a familiar rhythm that I lived and breathed day in, day out.

Jimmy shared with People magazine in 2019, “It can be challenging to live a long life like reaching 95 years. I believe the key is finding an exceptional partner – someone who will support you, stimulate you, and encourage activities that maintain your vitality and passion for life.

2024-10-01 15:21

Inside Jimmy Carter and Wife Rosalynn Carter’s 8-Decade Love Story

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