The couple’s story is one of a true partnership, spanning almost eight decades, that saw them through the highest peaks and lowest valleys of their lives together. From their beginnings as childhood friends in small town Plains, Georgia, to their rise to the governorship and the White House, and their later years as global humanitarians, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter remained a strong and united team.
Despite Rosalynn’s initial reluctance to return to Plains after their marriage due to their small and modest hometown, the couple discovered a new kind of partnership when she joined him at their peanut farming warehouse. Equal in managing the business, Rosalynn quickly became an indispensable partner and advisor to Jimmy. It was this partnership that eventually led them to achieve the governorship and the presidency during Jimmy’s career in politics. And throughout all their achievements, their small town love story remained the foundation of their journey together.
In November of 2021, the couple’s shared journey came to an end with Rosalynn’s passing at the age of 96. Throughout their 77 years of marriage, and even before, they were nearly inseparable and their love for each other never diminished. Their bond only grew stronger as they built the Carter Center together, where they fought for global causes and made lasting contributions around the world.
As much as they achieved together, Jimmy and Rosalynn remained each other’s best friend and greatest support. They spent their days reading the Bible together, practicing Spanish, and holding hands. And even as they grew older and faced health issues, they remained fiercely competitive, always trying to outdo each other in their hobbies and activities.
Despite their competitive spirit, their love for each other was always evident. They never went to bed with any lingering disagreements between them, and always found a way to work together through any challenges they faced. Throughout their lives, they faced everything together as a team, and even in death, they were side by side, continuing the true partnership that began all those years ago in small town Georgia.
