The Carter Legacy Continues: A Deep Dive Into Jimmy Carter's 11 Grandchildren And Their Current Lives

The enduring legacy of former President Jimmy Carter and his late wife, Rosalynn Carter, extends far beyond the White House and their decades of humanitarian work. As of the current date, December 2025, the Carter family remains a powerful force for public service and community engagement, primarily embodied by their 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, a massive family unit that continues to grow. This new generation, spanning from political leaders to reality TV personalities, is actively shaping the family's future while honoring the principles of their grandparents.

The 39th U.S. President and his beloved First Lady, who passed away in late 2023, cultivated a family life rooted in their Plains, Georgia, home. The family's commitment to staying close is legendary, often gathering for holidays and maintaining a tradition of service. This deep dive explores the lives and current activities of the 11 grandchildren, whose careers reflect a diverse and modern interpretation of the Carter values.

Biography and Family Tree: The Four Branches of the Carter Grandchildren

Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter had four children—three sons and one daughter—who, in turn, gave them 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. The family is divided into four main branches, each contributing to the overall Carter narrative.

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• Former President: James Earl "Jimmy" Carter Jr. (October 1, 1924–Present)
• Former First Lady: Eleanor Rosalynn Smith Carter (August 18, 1927–November 19, 2023)
• Children:
  • John William "Jack" Carter (b. 1947)
  • James Earl "Chip" Carter III (b. 1950)
  • Donnel Jeffrey "Jeff" Carter (b. 1952)
  • Amy Lynn Carter (b. 1967)
• Total Grandchildren: 11 (Plus 14 Great-Grandchildren)

The Grandchildren of Jack Carter (John William)

Jack Carter, the eldest son, has three children who have embraced public life and service:

• Jason Carter: Arguably the most publicly visible of the grandchildren, Jason Carter is a lawyer, former Georgia State Senator, and was the Democratic nominee for Governor of Georgia in 2014. Crucially, he currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for The Carter Center, actively steering the organization's mission on democracy, health, and peace. He also delivered a moving eulogy at his grandfather's funeral, highlighting the couple's humility. Jason is a graduate of Duke University and served in the Peace Corps in South Africa.
• James Earl Carter IV: Known as "Jamie" or "James IV," he is also involved in continuing the family's legacy. He is recognized for his work as a political intelligence analyst and researcher.
• Sarah Rosemary Carter: Sarah Rosemary Carter maintains a more private profile compared to her brothers, focusing on her own career outside the direct political spotlight.

The Grandchildren of Chip Carter (James Earl III)

Chip Carter’s family includes two biological children and a stepson often included in the family count:

• Margaret Alicia Carter: Born in 1989, Margaret Alicia Carter has largely maintained a private life.
• James Carlton Carter: Born in 1991, James Carlton Carter also leads a private life away from political or public scrutiny.
• Casey Payne Gallagher: Casey is Chip Carter's stepson, born in 1985. While not a biological grandchild, he is part of the extended Carter family unit.

The Grandchildren of Jeff Carter (Donnel Jeffrey)

Jeff Carter and his family have also kept a relatively low profile, with his children focusing on their own professional paths:

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• Joshua Jeffrey Carter: Joshua is one of the more private grandchildren.
• Jeremy Davis Carter: Like his cousin Joshua, Jeremy maintains a private life, keeping the focus on the family's core values rather than public attention.

The Grandson of Amy Carter (Amy Lynn)

Amy Carter, the only daughter who famously grew up in the White House, has one son who recently brought the family back into the pop culture spotlight:

• Hugo James Wentzel: Hugo Wentzel, son of Amy Carter and James Wentzel, garnered significant media attention in 2022 by appearing on the ABC reality competition show *Claim to Fame*. His appearance provided a rare, modern glimpse into the private life and personality of a Carter family member. Hugo, who has also been noted for his interest in bodybuilding, spoke publicly about his grandfather’s enduring optimism and legacy, offering a fresh perspective on the former President.

The Carter Center Torch: Jason Carter’s Leadership

The most significant and current activity among the grandchildren is the leadership role of Jason Carter at The Carter Center. His position as Chairman of the Board of Trustees is the clearest indicator that the family’s mission of peace and health is being passed to the next generation. This transition is crucial as the former President’s own health has declined, ensuring the organization he co-founded with Rosalynn Carter continues its vital work.

Jason’s background as a lawyer and former politician, coupled with his experience in the Peace Corps, perfectly aligns with the Center's global goals. His work focuses on key initiatives like the eradication of Guinea worm disease, the promotion of human rights, and the observation of democratic elections worldwide. His public appearances and statements, particularly after the passing of Rosalynn Carter, have consistently reinforced the values of humility, service, and faith that defined his grandparents' lives.

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A Growing Family: The 14 Great-Grandchildren

The Carter family is a complex and large unit, often cited as including 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, totaling 25 descendants in the two youngest generations. While the names of the great-grandchildren are largely kept private to protect their youth and privacy, they represent the newest branch of the Carter family tree.

The first great-grandchild, Henry Lewis Carter, was born to Jason and his wife, Katie Carter, in 2006. The sheer number of great-grandchildren ensures that the legacy of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter will be felt for decades to come, extending far into the 21st century. The family’s tradition of hosting large, multigenerational gatherings at their Plains home, a practice they maintained throughout their lives, has instilled a strong sense of unity and shared history among all the descendants.

The focus on family unity is perhaps the most enduring lesson passed down. Jimmy Carter himself often spoke about the importance of their regular family reunions and the pride he had in his large, close-knit family. This emphasis on personal connection remains a powerful counterpoint to the high-stakes world of politics and global affairs that defined their public service.

The Diversity of Legacy and Future Outlook

The careers and lives of Jimmy Carter’s grandchildren demonstrate a fascinating diversity in how they interpret the family legacy. While Jason Carter has taken the direct path of public service and non-profit leadership, others like Hugo Wentzel have chosen more contemporary, public-facing careers in media. This variety shows that the Carter values—integrity, hard work, and community focus—can be applied across all professional fields.

The current generation of Carters is tasked with preserving not just the memory of the former President and First Lady, but also the physical and philosophical infrastructure of The Carter Center. The grandchildren are the key figures ensuring that the Center’s work, from election monitoring to global health initiatives, continues to operate with the same moral clarity and dedication established by their grandparents. Their collective efforts, whether in the political arena, the non-profit sector, or even pop culture, ensure that the name "Carter" remains synonymous with service and a commitment to a better world.