The Carter family legacy is one of the most enduring and impactful in American political history, extending far beyond the four years Jimmy Carter served as the 39th U.S. President. Following the passing of both President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter, the focus has shifted to their four children and the subsequent generations who are now tasked with continuing the family’s global humanitarian work. As of December 10, 2025, the children remain deeply involved in various fields, from business and politics to illustration and philanthropy, ensuring the Carter commitment to peace and health endures.
The lives of John William "Jack" Carter, James Earl "Chip" Carter III, Donnel Jeffrey "Jeff" Carter, and Amy Lynn Carter offer a unique look at what it means to grow up in the spotlight of the White House and then forge a personal path dedicated to public service and private life. Their stories illustrate a powerful commitment to the principles championed by their parents, particularly through their continued work with The Carter Center and other initiatives.
The Carter Children: Complete Biography and Profile
Jimmy Carter and his beloved wife, Rosalynn Carter, were parents to four children—three sons and one daughter—who were born between 1947 and 1967. They also have 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, all of whom contribute to the sprawling Carter family tree.
- Full Name: John William "Jack" Carter
- Born: July 3, 1947, in Portsmouth, Virginia
- Age: 78 (as of December 2025)
- Spouse: Elizabeth Brasfield
- Known For: Businessman, politician, environmentalist. He is the eldest of the Carter children.
- Full Name: James Earl "Chip" Carter III
- Born: April 12, 1950, in Honolulu, Hawaii
- Age: 75 (as of December 2025)
- Spouse: Becky Payne (ex-wife), Caron Carter (ex-wife)
- Known For: Political consultant, campaign organizer, and namesake of his father.
- Full Name: Donnel Jeffrey "Jeff" Carter
- Born: August 18, 1952, in New London, Connecticut
- Age: 73 (as of December 2025)
- Spouse: Annette Carter (deceased)
- Known For: Co-founder of Computer Mapping Consultants, technology specialist, and philanthropist.
- Full Name: Amy Lynn Carter
- Born: October 19, 1967, in Plains, Georgia
- Age: 58 (as of December 2025)
- Spouse: John Joseph “Jay” Kelly
- Known For: Artist, illustrator, activist, and the only daughter, who spent her childhood in the White House.
The Sons: Business, Politics, and Quiet Battles
Each of the Carter sons carved out a distinctive career path, often blending business acumen with a commitment to environmental and political causes, echoing the complex life of their father, a peanut farmer turned global statesman. Their post-White House lives have been marked by both public campaigns and private challenges.
Jack Carter: The Politician and Environmentalist
John William "Jack" Carter, the eldest son, has maintained a career that spans law, business, and politics. Born while his father was serving in the U.S. Navy, Jack’s life has been characterized by a willingness to step into the political arena.
His most notable political venture was in 2006, when he ran as the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Nevada. Although unsuccessful, his campaign underscored the family's deep-seated connection to public service.
Jack is also a dedicated environmentalist, a cause that aligns closely with his father’s later work. His professional background in law and business has allowed him to advocate for sustainable practices and conservation efforts, often working quietly to support environmental policy development. He currently resides with his wife, Elizabeth Brasfield.
Chip Carter: Behind-the-Scenes Political Consultant
James Earl "Chip" Carter III, named after his father, was born in Hawaii during Jimmy Carter’s naval deployment. Chip’s professional life has remained closely tied to the political sphere, often working behind the scenes.
He played crucial roles in his father's successful presidential campaign and subsequent political efforts, demonstrating a keen understanding of grassroots organizing and strategy. This experience led him to a career as a political consultant, advising various campaigns and organizations over the years.
Chip’s son, James Carter IV, is one of the family members actively continuing the legacy at The Carter Center, focusing on political and public policy work, a direct continuation of Chip's own early career interests.
Jeff Carter: Technology, Philanthropy, and a Private Health Battle
Donnel Jeffrey "Jeff" Carter, the youngest son, chose a path rooted in technology and business. He co-founded Computer Mapping Consultants, specializing in computer cartography and blending his geographical knowledge with emerging technology.
In recent years, Jeff has stepped into a key leadership role within the family's humanitarian work, serving as the chairman of The Carter Center's board of trustees. This position is vital for guiding the organization's mission of waging peace, fighting disease, and building hope globally.
Jeff has also been quietly facing a significant personal health challenge: he has been living with Parkinson's Disease for "some time." The family’s decision to share this news publicly highlights their characteristic blend of private resilience and public transparency, demonstrating how they manage personal struggles while continuing their global mission.
Amy Carter: The Artist, Illustrator, and Activist
Amy Lynn Carter is arguably the most recognizable of the Carter children, having spent her early childhood as the only presidential daughter in the White House since the 1960s. Her time in the White House was marked by a quiet, inquisitive presence, often seen reading a book or spending time with her father.
Life After the White House
After leaving Washington, D.C., Amy pursued a life of activism and art. She attended Brown University and the Memphis College of Art, becoming a vocal participant in political protests during the 1980s and 1990s, particularly against apartheid and U.S. foreign policy in Central America. Her dedication to social justice mirrors her parents' lifelong humanitarian work.
Today, Amy is primarily known as an artist and illustrator. She collaborated with her father on the 1995 children's book, The Little Baby Snoogle-Fleejer, which President Carter wrote and Amy illustrated.
Amy currently lives in the Atlanta area with her husband, John Joseph “Jay” Kelly, a computer consultant. She is a dedicated mother to her two sons, Hugo and Errol, maintaining a private family life while remaining a quiet, powerful symbol of the Carter family's values.
The Next Generation: Continuing The Carter Center Legacy
The true measure of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter's impact lies in the enthusiasm with which their grandchildren have embraced The Carter Center's mission. The transition of leadership to the third generation ensures that the family's work will continue for decades to come, providing a powerful layer of topical authority to the Carter name.
Key figures in this transition include:
- Jason Carter: The son of Jack Carter, Jason is a lawyer and former Georgia State Senator. He has taken on one of the most significant roles as the current chairman of The Carter Center's board of trustees. His leadership is crucial for guiding the organization's future global health and peace initiatives.
- James Carter IV: The son of Chip Carter, James is another prominent figure who has followed his family into public policy and political work. His focus is on research and policy development, contributing to the family's intellectual legacy.
The collective efforts of Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy, combined with the energetic leadership of their children, demonstrate that the Carter family remains a vital force in global humanitarianism. Their commitment to diplomacy, disease eradication, and democratic governance—the core pillars of The Carter Center—serves as a living testament to the principles instilled by the late President and First Lady. The focus has shifted from the White House to the world, and the Carter children are ensuring that their parents’ legacy of service remains vibrant and impactful in the 21st century.
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