How Many Children Does Jimmy Carter Have? A Look At His Enduring Family

Sammy Halvorson I 16 Aug 2025

Curiosity about the personal lives of public figures, especially those who have shaped our nation, is quite natural. Many people, it seems, often wonder about the families behind the famous names. For someone like Jimmy Carter, our 39th President, who has lived a remarkably long and impactful life, questions about his closest relations, like his children, frequently come up. It's really interesting to think about how their personal story intertwines with such a public role.

When we think about former presidents, we often focus on their policies, their time in office, or their post-presidency work. Yet, behind every leader is a family, a group of people who share their journey and shape their private world. Jimmy Carter and his beloved wife, Rosalynn, shared an incredible bond that lasted over seven decades, and their family grew quite a bit during that time. So, it's pretty understandable why folks might want to know more about the children they raised.

This article will answer that question directly: how many children does Jimmy Carter have? We'll also take a closer look at each of his children, giving you a better sense of the family unit that supported him through his extraordinary career. You'll get to know a little about their lives and contributions, and see how their story, in a way, reflects a deep American spirit of service and family connection. Basically, we're here to shed some light on this fascinating aspect of the Carter legacy.

Jimmy Carter: A Brief Life Story
The Carter Children: An Overview
Jack Carter
James "Chip" Carter
Donnel "Jeff" Carter
Amy Carter
A Growing Family: Grandchildren and Beyond
Frequently Asked Questions About the Carter Family
The Carter Family's Lasting Impact

Jimmy Carter: A Brief Life Story

James Earl Carter Jr., known to the world as Jimmy Carter, was born in Plains, Georgia. He truly lived a life of service, first as a naval officer, then as a peanut farmer, before entering politics. His journey took him from the Georgia State Senate to the Governor's Mansion, and eventually, to the White House as the 39th President of the United States. After his presidency, he and Rosalynn established The Carter Center, a very important organization dedicated to advancing human rights and alleviating suffering globally. It's honestly quite an inspiring story of dedication.

Personal Details and Bio Data of Jimmy Carter

Full Name	James Earl Carter Jr.
Date of Birth	October 1, 1924
Place of Birth	Plains, Georgia, U.S.
Spouse	Rosalynn Smith (married 1946; passed November 2023)
Children	4 (three sons, one daughter)
Education	U.S. Naval Academy (B.S.)
Political Party	Democratic
Presidency	39th U.S. President (1977–1981)
Post-Presidency	Co-founder of The Carter Center, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate (2002)

The Carter Children: An Overview

So, to answer the central question: Jimmy Carter and his late wife, Rosalynn, had four children. They raised three sons and one daughter. Their family life began in the years following World War II, and their children grew up during a period of significant change in America. It's quite something to imagine growing up with a parent who would one day become president. They are, in order of birth: Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy. Each of them has lived a very unique life, shaped by their upbringing and their parents' public service. Basically, they've all got their own interesting stories.

Jack Carter

John William "Jack" Carter is the eldest of the Carter children, born in 1947. He pursued a path that took him through the U.S. Navy, much like his father. After his military service, he got a degree in nuclear physics. Jack has had a rather varied career, including working in business and even running for political office himself. He sought a U.S. Senate seat in Nevada in 2006, though he wasn't successful. You know, it shows a bit of that family spirit of public engagement, even if it's not always in the exact same way.

Jack has also been involved in various business ventures over the years. He's been a proponent of renewable energy and has explored different entrepreneurial avenues. He has been married twice and has two children, Jason and Sarah. Jason Carter, his son, has also followed in the family's footsteps, becoming a state senator in Georgia and running for governor. It's kind of neat to see how the next generations carry on certain traditions, isn't it?

James "Chip" Carter

James Earl "Chip" Carter III, born in 1950, is the second son of Jimmy and Rosalynn. Chip, like his older brother, has had a life that has seen him involved in different areas. He was pretty active in his father's presidential campaigns, working closely on the political side of things. After his father's time in the White House, Chip continued to be involved in various political and advocacy efforts. He's often been a public face for the family, speaking about their work and values. He's very much a part of the family's public presence, you know?

Chip has also worked in business and has been a supporter of The Carter Center's initiatives. He has three children: James IV, Margaret, and Sarah. His life, in a way, shows the different paths that children of public figures might take, balancing private life with a connection to a very public legacy. He's been quite dedicated to keeping his parents' work going, which is something many people appreciate.

Donnel "Jeff" Carter

Donnel Jeffrey "Jeff" Carter, born in 1952, is the third son. Jeff took a somewhat different route than his older brothers, focusing more on the arts and technology. He's known for his work in computer mapping and has pursued interests in music and photography. His approach to life has been a bit more private compared to his siblings, though he has always remained supportive of his family's endeavors. It's actually quite common for siblings to have very different passions, isn't it?

Jeff has been involved in various projects that blend his technical skills with creative expression. He has two children, Joshua and Jeremy. His life story illustrates how even within a prominent family, individuals carve out their own distinct paths and contributions. He's always been there for his family, just perhaps not in the public eye as much, which is perfectly fine, of course.

Amy Carter

Amy Lynn Carter, born in 1967, is the youngest of the Carter children and their only daughter. She was just nine years old when her father became president, making her childhood in the White House quite unique. Her time there was often covered by the media, and she became a recognizable figure to many Americans. She famously brought her cat, Misty Malarky Ying Yang, to the White House, which was a pretty charming detail for people at the time. She actually went to public school while her father was president, which was a bit unusual for a president's child then.

As an adult, Amy has been a dedicated activist, focusing on issues of human rights, nuclear disarmament, and social justice. She studied art history and has been involved with The Carter Center's work, particularly in areas related to peace and conflict resolution. She has one son, Hugo James Wentzel. Amy's commitment to activism really mirrors her parents' lifelong dedication to global issues. She's consistently shown a strong sense of purpose, which is truly admirable. You can learn more about The Carter Center's work on our site, and perhaps link to this page about their peace initiatives.

A Growing Family: Grandchildren and Beyond

The Carter family has grown quite a bit over the years. Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter were blessed with a rather large number of descendants, a truly significant quantity of family members. Indeed, they have many grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. As of late 2023, the Carters had 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. This extensive family network has remained close-knit, often gathering at the family home in Plains, Georgia. It's quite a testament to the strong bonds they share, really.

The presence of so many family members often means lively gatherings and a continuous flow of new stories and experiences. This large, indefinite number of family members highlights the enduring legacy of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, not just in public service, but also in building a strong, supportive family unit. They've always emphasized the importance of family, and it truly shows in the way their children and their children's children have remained connected. It's pretty heartwarming to see, actually.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Carter Family

Are all of Jimmy Carter's children still alive?

Yes, as of early 2024, all four of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter's children—Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy—are still alive. They have been a source of great support for their parents, especially in recent years. It's quite a blessing for the family, you know?

How many grandchildren does Jimmy Carter have?

Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn had 11 grandchildren. They also had 10 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, which is a really considerable quantity of family members. Their family tree has certainly branched out a lot, as a matter of fact.

What is Jimmy Carter's son Jack known for?

Jack Carter, the eldest son, is known for his military service in the U.S. Navy and his career in business. He also ran for a U.S. Senate seat in Nevada in 2006. His son, Jason Carter, has also been active in Georgia politics, so there's a bit of a political thread running through that part of the family, too.

The Carter Family's Lasting Impact

The story of Jimmy Carter's children offers a glimpse into the personal side of a remarkable public figure. Each of his four children—Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy—has forged their own path, contributing to society in distinct ways, while maintaining a deep connection to their parents' values and work. Their lives, in a way, reflect the enduring strength of the Carter family bond. To learn more about Jimmy Carter's broader life and the work of his family, you might explore the extensive resources available from The Carter Center.

Meet The Four Children Of Late U.S President, Jimmy Carter

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