The Carter Legacy Continues: 5 Fascinating Facts About Jimmy Carter's Grandson, Jason Carter

The legacy of former President Jimmy Carter and the late First Lady Rosalynn Carter extends far beyond the White House, deeply rooted in their humanitarian work and carried forward by a dedicated family of public servants. As of December 10, 2025, the most prominent figure continuing this work is their grandson, Jason Carter, who has become the public face of the family in recent years, particularly concerning updates on his grandfather's health and the mission of The Carter Center. His life—from serving in the Peace Corps to a career in Georgia politics and now leading the family's global initiatives—offers a compelling look at the next generation of one of America’s most impactful families.

The Carter family is extensive, with four children, 12 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren, but Jason Carter’s visibility has made him a central figure in the public eye. His recent role in delivering a moving eulogy for his grandmother, Rosalynn Carter, and providing candid updates on his grandfather’s hospice care has cemented his position as the torchbearer of the Carter name, ensuring the family's commitment to peace, human rights, and global health endures. This article delves into the life and current activities of Jason Carter and other notable Carter grandsons.

Jason Carter: Biography and Profile of the Carter Center Chairman

Jason Carter, the eldest grandchild of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, has forged an impressive career that mirrors his grandparents' dedication to public service and global engagement. His background is a blend of international experience, legal expertise, and political involvement in his home state of Georgia.

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• Full Name: Jason James Carter
• Date of Birth: August 7, 1975
• Parents: Jack Carter (son of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter) and Juliet "Judy" Langford
• Spouse: Kate Carter (m. 1999)
• Children: Two sons, Buddy and Charles
• Education:
  • Duke University (B.A. in Philosophy)
  • University of Cape Town (Master's in International Relations, as a Rotary Scholar)
  • University of Georgia School of Law (J.D.)
  • Emory University School of Law (Adjunct Professor)
• Early Career: Served in the Peace Corps in Lochiel, South Africa, from 1998 to 2000, where he worked on education and community development projects.
• Political Career: Served as a member of the Georgia State Senate from 2010 to 2015, representing the 42nd district. He was the Democratic nominee for Governor of Georgia in 2014.
• Current Role: Chairman of the Board of Trustees for The Carter Center.

Jason Carter's life has been inextricably linked to the values instilled by his grandparents, prioritizing grassroots engagement and a commitment to democratic principles. His political career in the Georgia General Assembly focused on education, health care, and ethics reform, demonstrating a continuous connection to the issues championed by the Carter administration decades prior. His current leadership role at The Carter Center is arguably his most significant, placing him at the helm of the organization's critical work in disease eradication, election monitoring, and conflict resolution worldwide.

Fact 1: The Torchbearer of The Carter Center's Global Mission

Jason Carter is not merely a figurehead; he is the active Chairman of the Board of Trustees for The Carter Center, the non-profit organization founded by his grandparents in 1982. This role places him at the center of the organization's humanitarian and human rights efforts, effectively making him the public successor to the Carters’ lifelong mission.

His work involves overseeing the Center's initiatives, which include the near-eradication of the Guinea worm disease, promoting democracy through election observation, and advancing mental health parity globally. His leadership ensures that the institutional values of his grandparents—a blend of humility, faith, and tireless service—remain the guiding principles of the organization. He frequently travels and speaks on behalf of the Center, bridging the gap between the founding generation and a new era of global challenges. The transition of leadership signifies a deliberate effort to maintain the organization's independence and focus on human rights and global health long after the founders have stepped away from daily operations.

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The grandson's deep understanding of the Center’s mission, coupled with his own political experience, provides a unique perspective. He has often spoken about the "awe-inspiring" experience of watching his grandfather "live out his values," which now informs his own stewardship of the organization.

Fact 2: Providing the Most Recent, Candid Health Updates on Jimmy Carter

In recent years, as former President Jimmy Carter entered home hospice care in Plains, Georgia, Jason Carter became the primary, and most trusted, source of public updates on his grandfather's health. His comments offer a rare and intimate glimpse into the former president's final chapter, always delivered with candor and respect for the family's privacy.

Jason Carter has confirmed that his grandfather’s energy levels "vary" but that he remains steadfast in his faith and is surrounded by family. The updates have also included moments of shared humor and reflections on the former president's remarkable life. A particularly significant update Jason shared was the news that the former president's cancer, which had been detected in 2015, was no longer visible in his most recent scans, a source of profound relief and gratitude for the family.

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His role as the family spokesperson during this sensitive time highlights the trust placed in him by the former president and the family matriarch, Rosalynn Carter. His public appearances, including a moving eulogy at his grandmother's funeral, have made him a symbol of the family's resilience and enduring grace. The eulogy was noted for its balance of deep respect and personal, often humorous, anecdotes about the Carters' life in Plains, Georgia, including a joke about the simple family home.

Fact 3: The Carter Grandsons: A Diverse Group Continuing Public Service

While Jason Carter is the most visible, he is one of 12 grandchildren, many of whom are also involved in public service, humanitarian work, or carrying on the family's intellectual legacy. The Carter family tree demonstrates a strong, continuous commitment to the values of service and intellectual rigor.

James Carter IV: The Research and Political Operative

Another notable grandson is James Carter IV, the son of Jeff Carter. James Carter IV gained significant attention during the 2016 presidential election for his work as a political operative. He was credited with obtaining key audio recordings from a Republican fundraiser that became a major national news story. His background is less focused on traditional politics than his cousin Jason, leaning more toward political research and strategic operations, demonstrating a different but equally impactful way of engaging with the American political landscape.

Other Grandchildren and Their Paths

The other grandchildren, including Sarah Rosemary, Joshua Jeffrey, Margaret Alicia, Jeremy Davis (who tragically passed away in 2015), and James Carlton, pursue various paths, from law and medicine to non-profit work, all of which contribute to the broader tapestry of the Carter legacy. The family's large size and close-knit nature are frequently cited by Jimmy Carter as a source of strength and joy, with regular family reunions being a long-standing tradition.

The diversity of their careers—from Jason's Peace Corps service and political career to James IV's political research—underscores the Carters' philosophy that public service can take many forms. They are all united by a deep-seated connection to their grandparents' home in Plains and the principles of the Carter Center, ensuring that the influence of the 39th U.S. President remains a powerful, active force in the world.

Fact 4: The Peace Corps and International Roots

Jason Carter's commitment to public service began long before his time in the Georgia State Senate. His decision to join the Peace Corps, an organization famously supported by his grandfather, set the stage for his global perspective.

He and his wife, Kate, served in Lochiel, South Africa, where they lived and worked in a remote community. This experience, focused on education and community development, was foundational. It provided him with a direct, personal understanding of the global health and human rights issues that The Carter Center works to address. This hands-on, international experience distinguishes him from many of his political peers and reinforces the Carter family's tradition of global engagement and humility.

Fact 5: A Lawyer and Educator by Trade

Beyond his political and non-profit roles, Jason Carter is an accomplished lawyer and former educator. He holds degrees from Duke University, the University of Cape Town, and the University of Georgia School of Law.

His legal career has focused on complex litigation, and he has also spent time as an Adjunct Professor at Emory University School of Law. This professional background provides him with the analytical skills and legal acumen necessary to navigate the complexities of international law, human rights advocacy, and the organizational governance of The Carter Center. The combination of his legal, political, and humanitarian experience makes him uniquely qualified to lead the organization into the future, preserving the integrity and effectiveness of the Carter legacy.