Jimmy Carter, already the longest-living U.S. president in history, will celebrate his 98th birthday Saturday with family and friends in Plains, the tiny Georgia town where he and his wife, 95-year-old Rosalynn, were born.
Jason Carter, the former president's grandson now leading the Carter Center board, described his grandfather, an outspoken Christian, as content with his life and legacy.
βHe is looking at his 98th birthday with faith in Godβs plan for him,β the younger Carter, 47, said, βand thatβs just a beautiful blessing for all of us to know, personally, that he is at peace and happy with where he has been and where heβs going.β
Carter Center leaders said the former president, whoΒ survived a cancer diagnosis in 2015Β and aΒ serious fall at home in 2019, already has enjoyed reading congratulatory messages sent by well-wishers around the world via social media and the center's website. But Jason Carter said his grandfather is mostly looking forward to a simple day that includes watching his favorite Major League Baseball team, the Atlanta Braves, on television.
βHeβs still 100% with it, even though daily life things are a lot harder now,β Jason Carter said. βBut one thing I guarantee. He will watch all the Braves games this weekend.β
James Earl Carter Jr. won the 1976 presidential election after beginning the campaign as a little-known one-term Georgia governor. His surprise performance in the Iowa caucuses established the small, Midwestern state as an epicenter of presidential politics. Carter went on to defeat President Gerald Ford in the general election.
A Naval Academy alumnus, Navy officer and peanut farmer, Carter won in no small part because of his promise never to lie to an electorate weary over the Vietnam War. Four years later, unable to tame inflation andΒ salve voter anger over American hostages held in Iran, Carter lost 44 states to Ronald Reagan. He returned home to Georgia in 1981 at the age of 56.
Photos: Former President Jimmy Carter through the years
Carter, 1931
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Jimmy Carter is shown at age 6, with his sister, Gloria, 4, in 1931 in Plains, Georgia. (AP Photo)
Carter, 1932
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This is a 1932 photo of Jimmy Carter at age 7 in Plains, Ga. (AP Photo)
Carter, 1952
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Lt. Jimmy Carter peers at instruments on submarine USS K-1 in a 1952 photo. Directly in front of Carter, smoking a cigar, is Don Dickson. He had forgotten he ever served with Carter until he came upon the photo during Christmas, 1977. A friend got it to the White House where Carter wrote: "To my friend Donald Dickson - Jimmy Carter, USS K-1 to White House." (AP Photo)
Carter, 1966
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FILE - In this Sept. 15, 1966 file photo, then Georgia State Sen. Jimmy Carter hugs his wife, Rosalynn, at his Atlanta campaign headquarters.
Carter, 1970
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Jimmy Carter, winner in Georgia's runoff primary in the Democratic Party to determine the party's candidate for the November election for governor, 1970. (AP Photo)
Carter, 1970
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Former State Sen. Jimmy Carter listens to applause at the Capitol in Atlanta on April 3, 1970, after announcing his candidacy or governor. In background, his wife Rosalyn holds two-year-old daughter Amy who joined in the applause. Carter, 45, of Plains, Ga., finished third in the 1966 Democratic Primary behind Gov. Lester Maddox and Ellis Arnall. (AP Photo/Charles Kelly)
Carter, 1970
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Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn clutch the microphones as he claims victory in a runoff election at campaign headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, September 24, 1970. Carter beat former Georgia Governor Carl Sanders for the nomination and will face Republican candidate Hal Suit, veteran television newsman, in the general election Nov. 3, 1970. (AP Photo/Charles Kelly)
Carter, 1970
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Former state Sen. Jimmy Carter breaks into a broad smile after early returns gave him a lead of almost 2-1 in the Democratic runoff against former Gov. Carl Sanders, Sept. 23, 1970, in Atlanta, Ga. The winner will meet the Republic Hal Suit for the governorship of Georgia on the Nov. 3 general election. (AP Photo/Charles Kelly)
Carter, 1971
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Governor-elect Jimmy Carter and his daughter Amy, 3, walk about the grounds by the fountain at the Governor's Mansion in Atlanta, Ga., Jan. 10, 1971, as they get to know the place where they will live for the next four years. Carter will be sworn in as governor of Georgia Tuesday. (AP Photo)
Carter, 1971
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Judge Robert H. Jordan administers the oath of office to Gov. Jimmy Carter during ceremonies at the state capitol in Atlanta. Ga., Jan. 12, 1971. Next to the judge is former Gov. Lester Maddox, who will take over as lieutenant governer of Georgia. (AP Photo)
Carter, 1971
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Jimmy Carter of Georgia, seen here Feb. 6, 1971, already described as a symbol of a new breed of moderate southern politician, says that the race question has ceased to be a major issue "between or among candidates" running for office in the old confederacy. (AP Photo)
Carter, 1971
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Jimmy Carter, Governor of Georgia, is shown at his desk in Atlanta, on February 19, 1971. (AP Photo)
Carter, 1972
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Georgia's Gov. Jimmy Carter reaches for pen February 25, 1972 to sign a Georgia Senate House resolution opposing forced busing to achieve integration in the classrooms of the United States.Β
Carter, 1973
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Georgia Gov. Jimmy Carter joins a half-dozen Rockettes in a high kick, September 21, 1973, at Radio City Music Hall in New York, while visiting backstage before an afternoon performance. Carter is in New York to induce the film industry to make pictures in his state. (AP Photo/stf)
Carter, 1973
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Georgia Gov. Jimmy Carter, right, and Delaware Gov. Sherman Tribbitt say hello to Atlanta Braves Hank Aaron, left, following a rain canceled game with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Thursday, Sept. 27, 1973, Atlanta, Ga. The cancellation slowed Aaronβs opportunity to tie or break Babe Ruthβs home run record. (AP Photo)
Carter, 1974
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Georgia Gov. Jimmy Carter spoke to 18,000 messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention on Thursday, June 13, 1974 in Dallas, Texas. He urged Baptists to use their personal and political influence to return the nation to ideals of stronger commitment and higher ethics. He said "there is no natural division between a man's Christian life and his political life." (AP Photo/Greg Smith)
Carter, 1974
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Georgia Gov. Jimmy Carter tells a gathering, Saturday, Oct. 5, 1974 at the National Press Club in Washington about his ideas concerning energy conservation. (AP Photo)
Carter, 1975
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In this Thursday, Aug. 14, 1975 file photo, former Georgia Gov. Jimmy Carter announces in Washington that he qualified for federal matching funds to help finance his campaign for the 1976 Democratic presidential nomination.Β
Carter, 1976
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Former Georgia Gov. Jimmy Carter, right, drew about 5,000 people to Youngstown's Federal Plaza in Youngstown, Ohio, in his quest for support in Tuesday's Ohio Democratic primary, June 7, 1976. The presidential hopeful waded into the crowd, shaking hands and signing autographs. Carter, speaking to the largest crowd to assemble during his Ohio campaign, said 1976 would be a Democratic year because of the Watergate aftermath and other national ills. (AP Photo)
Carter, 1976
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In this Monday, Aug. 23, 1976 file photo, Democratic presidential candidate Jimmy Carter gives an informal press conference in Los Angeles during a campaign tour through the West and Midwest. On Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2015. (AP Photo)
Carter, 1976
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Democratic Presidential nominee Jimmy Carter, left, eats some freshly roasted barbecue chicken with his brother Billy Carter at Billy's gas station, Sept 11, 1976, Plains, Ga. The nominee had returned the night before from a week of campaigning, and planned to hold an impromptu press conference at the gas station. (AP Photo/Jeff Taylor)
Carter, 1976
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Democratic presidential nominee, Jimmy Carter, is all smiles as he talks with his brother Billy at the Carter Family Peanut warehouse, September 18, 1976. (AP Photo)
Carter, 1976
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Jimmy Carter stands in a large mound of peanuts at the Carter Peanut Warehouse in Plains, Ga., September 22, 1976. The Democratic party presidential nominee took an early morning walk through the warehouse to inspect some of the harvest. (AP Photo)
Carter, 1976
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FILE - In this Oct. 6, 1976 file photo with his wife Rosalynn Carter looking on at center, Democratic presidential candidate Jimmy Carter, center left, shakes hands with President Gerald Ford at the conclusion of their debate at the Palace of Fine Arts Theater in San Francisco, Calif. (AP Photo, File)
Carter, 1976
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Jimmy Carter, Democratic candidate for president, is joined by his daughter, Amy, as he waves from the rostrum at Fort Worth Convention Center, Texas, Sunday, Nov. 1, 1976. Carter and his family have been campaigning Texas, making a last minute bid for the state's 26 electoral votes. The others are not identified. (AP Photo)
Carter, 1976
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U.S. President-elect Jimmy Carter waves to supporters as he is surrounded by family members at a hotel in Atlanta, Ga., on Nov. 3, 1976. Carter won the presidential election by 297 electoral votes to 241 for Ford. Standing next to him is his wife, Rosalynn, and their daughter Amy Lynn, far right. The others are unidentified. (AP Photo)
Carter, 1976
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President-elect Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn wipe tears from their eyes after returning to their home town in Plains, Ga., Nov. 3, 1976. The Carter family was greeted by local residents after returning from Atlanta. (AP Photo)
Carter, 1977
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President-elect Jimmy Carter leans over to shake hands with some of the people riding the "Peanut Special" to Washington D.C., Jan. 19, 1977. They will travel all night, arriving in Washington in time for Carter's inauguration as President tomorrow. (AP Photo)
Carter, 1977
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Jimmy Carter takes the oath of office as the nation's 39th president during inauguration ceremonies in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 20, 1977. Carter's wife, Rosalynn, holds the Bible used in the first inauguration by George Washington as U.S. Chief Justice Warren Burger administers the oath. Looking on at left are, Happy Rockefeller, Betty Ford, Joan Mondale, Amy Carter, and outgoing President Gerald Ford. Behind Carter is Vice President Walter Mondale. At far right is former Vice President Nelson Rockefeller. (AP Photo)
Carter, 1977
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Rosalynn Carter, left, looks up at her husband Jimmy Carter as he takes the oath of office as the 39th President of the United States at the Capitol, Thursday, Jan. 20, 1977, Washington, D.C. Mrs. Carter held a family Bible for her husband. (AP Photo)
Carter, 1977
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Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Carter walk down Pennsylvania Avenue after Carter was sworn in as the nations 39th President, Jan. 20, 1977, Washington, D.C. (AP Photo)
Carter, 1977
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FILE - In this Thursday, Jan. 20, 1977 file photo, President Jimmy Carter waves to the crowd while walking with his wife, Rosalynn, and their daughter, Amy, along Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House following his inauguration in Washington. (AP Photo/Suzanne Vlamis)
Carter, 1977
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In this Jan. 24, 1977 file photo, President Jimmy Carter is interviewed in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington.
Carter, 1977
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In this file photo dated May 1977, U.S. President Jimmy Carter, right, and Britain's Queen Elizabeth II with French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing, at Buckingham Palace in London.Β
Carter, 1978
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In this Feb. 20, 1978, file photo, President Jimmy Carter listens to Sen. Joseph R. Biden, D-Del., as they wait to speak at fund raising reception at Padua Academy in Wilmington, Del. (AP Photo/Barry Thumma, File)
Carter, 1978
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President Jimmy Carter tucks his thumbs into his jeans and laughs as he prepares to head down the Salmon River in Idaho August 1978 for a three day rubber raft float. (AP Photo)
Carter, 1978
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United States President Jimmy Carter, on a visit to West Germany in 1978, rides with Chancellor Helmut Schmidt during a review of United States Forces at a base near Frankfurt. (AP Photo)
Carter, 1979
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Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, left, U.S. President Jimmy Carter, center, and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin clasp hands on the north lawn of the White House after signing the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel on March 26, 1979. (AP Photo/ Bob Daugherty)
Carter, 1979
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President Jimmy Carter, left, and Soviet President Leonid Brezhnev, right, sign the documents of the SALT II Treaty in the Vienna Imperial Hofburg Palace, Monday, June 18, 1979, Vienna, Austria.Β
Carter, 1979
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President Jimmy Carter leans across the roof of his car to shake hands along the parade route through Bardstown, Ky., Tuesday afternoon, July 31, 1979. The president climbed on top of the car as the parade moved toward the high school gym, where a town meeting was held. (AP Photo/Bob Daugherty)
Carter, 1980
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In this April 25, 1980 file photo, President Jimmy Carter prepares to make a national television address from the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, on the failed mission to rescue the Iran hostages.
Carter, 1980
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President Jimmy Carter applauds as Sen. Edward Kennedy waves to cheering crowds of the Democratic National Convention in New York's Madison Square Garden, Aug. 14, 1980. (AP Photo/Bob Daugherty)
Carter, 1980
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President Jimmy Carter raises a clenched fist during his address to the Democratic Convention, August 15, 1980, in New York's Madison Square Garden where he accepted his party's nomination to face Republican Ronald Reagan in the general election. (AP Photo/stf)
Carter, 1980
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Massachusetts Senator Edward M. Kennedy greets President Jimmy Carter after he landed at Boston's Logan Airport, Aug. 21, 1980. President Carter is in Boston to address the American Legion Convention being held in Boston. (AP Photo)
Carter, 1980
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President Jimmy Carter, left, and Gov. Bill Clinton of Arkansas enjoy a chuckle during a rally for Carter in Texarkana, Texas, Oct. 22, 1980. Texarkana was the last stop for Carter on a three-city one-day campaign swing through Texas. (AP Photo/John Duricka)
Carter, 1980
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In this Oct. 28, 1980 file photo, President Jimmy Carter shakes hands with Republican Presidential candidate Ronald Reagan after debating in the Cleveland Music Hall in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Madeline Drexler, File)
Carter, 1981
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Former US President Jimmy Carter, who had negotiated for the hostages release right up to the last hours of his Presidency, lifts his arm to the crowd, while putting his other hand around the shoulders of a former hostage in Iran, believed to be Bruce Laingen, at US AIR Force Hospital in Wiesbaden, Germany, Wednesday, January 21, 1981.Β
Carter, 1988
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Former Pres. Jimmy Carter, center, is joined by his wife Rosalynn and his brother Billy Carter during session of the Democratic National Convention, Tuesday, July 19, 1988, Atlanta, Ga. Billy had been recently diagnosed with cancer. (AP Photo/Bob Daugherty)
Carter, 1990
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Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter speaks to newsmen as PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat, right, looks on after the two men met in Paris Wednesday, April 4, 1990. Carter said he felt some leaders did not represent the region's yearning for peace. (AP Photo/Pierre Gieizes)
Carter, 1991
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Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, center, introduces his wife Rosalynn, right, to Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Jiang Zemin, April 14, 1991 in Beijing. (AP Photo/Mark Avery)
Carter, 1993
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Former President Jimmy Carter gestures at a United Nations news conference in New York, April 23, 1993 about the world conference on Human Rights to be held by the United Nations in Vienna June 14-25. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Carter, 1997
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Former Presidents George Bush, left, and Jimmy Carter, right, stand with President Clinton and wave to volunteers during a kick-off rally for the President's Volunteer Summit at Marcus Foster Stadium in Philladelphia, PA., Sunday morning April 27, 1997. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
Carter, 1999
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President Bill Clinton presents former President Jimmy Carter, right, with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, during a ceremony at the Carter Center in Atlanta Monday, Aug. 9, 1999. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Carter, 2006
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Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter adjusts his glasses during a press conference in Managua, Nicaragua, Thursday, July 6, 2006. The former president and 2002 Nobel Peace Prize winner is heading a delegation from the democracy-promoting Carter Center, based at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, to observe preparations for Nicaragua's Nov. 5 presidential election. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)
Carter, 2006
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In this Friday, Dec. 8, 2006 file photo, former President Jimmy Carter signs copies of his book "Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid" at the Carter Center in Atlanta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ric Feld)
Carter, 2007
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Former President George H.W. Bush, left, watches as Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton chat during a dedication ceremony for the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, May 31, 2007. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
Carter, 2007
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Former President Jimmy Carter poses for a portrait during the Toronto International Film Festival in Toronto, Monday, Sept. 10, 2007. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Carter, 2007
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Former President Jimmy Carter poses on the red carpet for the documentary film, "Jimmy Carter: Man From Plains" during the Toronto International Film Festival in Toronto, Monday, Sept. 10, 2007. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Carter, 2008
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Former President Jimmy Carter, right, and his wife Rosalynn wave to the audience at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Monday, Aug. 25, 2008. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Carter, 2008
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Former President Jimmy Carter, right, and former first lady Rosalynn Carter are seen on stage at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Monday, Aug. 25, 2008. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Carter, 2008
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Former President Jimmy Carter waves to the crowd as he goes on stage at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Monday, Aug. 25, 2008.(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Carter, 2008
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Former President Jimmy Carter, right, is seen with Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2008. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Carter, 2009
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President-elect Barack Obama is welcomed by President George W. Bush for a meeting at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, with former presidents, from left, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Carter, 2010
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In this photo taken Saturday, May 29, 2010, former South Africa president Nelson Mandela, right, reacts with former US president Jimmy Carter, during a reunion with The Elders, three years after he launched the group, in Johannesburg, South Africa. (AP Photo/Jeff Moore, Pool)
Carter, 2010
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Former US President Jimmy Carter, center, one of the delegates of the Elders group of retired prominent world figures, holds a Palestinian child during a visit to the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Silwan, Thursday, Oct. 21, 2010. (AP Photo/Menahem Kahana, Pool)
Carter, 2010
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Former President Jimmy Carter, 86, leads Habitat for Humanity volunteers to help build and repair houses in Washington's Ivy City neighborhood, Monday, Oct. 4, 2010. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Carter, 2010
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FILE - In this Friday, Oct. 22, 2010 file photo, former president of Ireland, Mary Robinson, background right, looks at former U.S. president, Jimmy Carter, center, while visiting a weekly protest in the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah. The protest was organized by groups supporting Palestinians evicted from their homes in east Jerusalem by Israeli authorities. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
Carter, 2011
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Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, his wife, Rosalynn, and former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan conclude a visit to a polling center the southern capital of Juba Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011. (AP Photo/Pete Muller)
Carter, 2011
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Former President Jimmy Carter signs his name in the guest book at the Jewish Community center in Havana, Cuba, Monday March 28, 2011. Carter arrived in Cuba to discuss economic policies and ways to improve Washington-Havana relations, which are even more tense than usual over the imprisonment of Alan Gross, a U.S. contractor, on the island. C (AP Photo/Adalberto Roque, Pool)
Carter, 2011
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Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter pauses during an interview as he and his wife Rosalynn visit a Habitat for Humanity project in Leogane, Haiti, Monday Nov. 7, 2011. The Carters joined volunteers from around the world to build 100 homes in partnership with earthquake-affected families in Haiti during a week-long Habitat for Humanity housing project. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)
Carter, 2012
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Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, sits prior to a meeting with Israel's President Shimon Peres at the President's residence in Jerusalem, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012. Peres met two of 'The Elders', a group composed of eminent global leaders brought together by Nelson Mandela. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)
Carter, 2013
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Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter watches baseball players work out before Game 2 of the National League Division Series between the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Friday, Oct. 4, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
Carter, 2014
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Former President Jimmy Carter speaks during a forum at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014. Among other topics, Carter discussed his new book, "A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power." (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Carter, 2015
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President Jimmy Carter, left, and Rosalynn Carter arrive at the 2015 MusiCares Person of the Year event at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Friday, Feb. 6, 2015 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)
Carter, 2015
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In this July 10, 2015, file photo, former President Jimmy Carter is seen in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)
Carter, 2015
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In a Sunday, Aug. 23, 2015 file photo, former President Jimmy Carter teaches Sunday School class at Maranatha Baptist Church in his hometown, in Plains, Ga. (AP Photo/David Goldman, File)
Carter, 2015
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Former President Jimmy Carter answers questions during a news conference at a Habitat for Humanity building site Monday, Nov. 2, 2015, in Memphis, Tenn. Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, have volunteered a week of their time annually to Habitat for Humanity since 1984, events dubbed "Carter work projects" that draw thousands of volunteers and take months of planning. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Carter, 2016
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Former President Bill Clinton, left, and former president Jimmy Carter shake hands after speaking at a Clinton Global Initiative meeting Tuesday, June 14, 2016, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Carter, 2016
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Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter holds a morning devotion in Memphis, Tenn., on Monday, Aug. 22, 2016, before he and his wife Rosalynn help build a home for Habitat for Humanity. (AP Photo/Alex Sanz)
Carter, 2017
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Former president Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter arrive during the 58th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Friday, Jan. 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
Carter, 2017
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In this Feb. 8, 2017, file photo, former President Jimmy Carter speaks during a ribbon cutting ceremony for a solar panel project on farmland he owns in his hometown of Plains, Ga. (AP Photo/David Goldman, File)
Carter, 2017
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Former President George W. Bush, center, speaks as fellow former Presidents from right, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter look on during a hurricanes relief concert in College Station, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. All five living former U.S. presidents joined to support a Texas concert raising money for relief efforts from Hurricane Harvey, Irma and Maria's devastation in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
Carter, 2018
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Former President Jimmy Carter, 93, sits for an interview about his new book "Faith: A Journey For All" which will debut at no. 7 on the New York Times best sellers list, pictured before a book signing Wednesday, April 11, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Carter, 2018
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Former President Jimmy Carter speaks as Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams listens during a news conference to announce Abrams' rural health care plan Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018, in Plains, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Carter, 2018
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Former President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter are seen ahead of an NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Carter, 2019
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Former President Jimmy Carter takes questions submitted by students during an annual Carter Town Hall held at Emory University Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Carter, 2020
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Democratic presidential candidate former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg, left, meets with former President Jimmy Carter, center, at Buffalo Cafe in Plains, Ga., Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Carter, 2021
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Former President Jimmy Carter reacts as his wife Rosalynn Carter speaks during a reception to celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary on July 10, 2021, in Plains, Ga.
Photos: Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter through the years
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter
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Jimmy Carter gets his bars pinned on by his wife Rosalynn, left and his mother, Mrs. Lillian Carter at the U.S. Naval Academy in this undated photo. (AP Photo)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 1966
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FILE - In this Sept. 15, 1966 file photo, then Georgia State Sen. Jimmy Carter hugs his wife, Rosalynn, at his Atlanta campaign headquarters.Β
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 1970
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Former State Sen. Jimmy Carter listens to applause at the Capitol in Atlanta on April 3, 1970, after announcing his candidacy or governor. In background, his wife Rosalyn holds two-year-old daughter Amy who joined in the applause. Carter, 45, of Plains, Ga., finished third in the 1966 Democratic Primary behind Gov. Lester Maddox and Ellis Arnall. (AP Photo/Charles Kelly)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 1971
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Gov. Jimmy Carter, holding daughter Amy, and Rosalynn Carter, right, listen while Lt. Gov. Lester Maddox makes his acceptance speech, Jan. 12, 1971, Atlanta, Ga. Carter had just been sworn in as Governor of Georgia. (AP Photo/Charles Kelly)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 1976
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President-elect Jimmy Carter and his family wave to supporters at a celebration in Atlanta, Ga., following Carter's victory over incumbent Pres. Gerald Ford, Nov. 3, 1976. At center is daughter Amy and at right, wife Rosalynn. (AP Photo)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 1976
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Jimmy Carter gives a victory sign after finding he'd won Wisconsin's Democratic presidential primary, April 7, 1976, Milwaukee, Wisc. His wife, Rosalynn Carter, holds a newspaper which in an earlier edition said Udall had won. (AP Photo/Paul Shane)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 1976
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Jimmy Carter, his wife Rosalynn and daughter Amy, lower left, respond to a huge crowd that welcomed them to New York, July 10, 1976. They are here for the Democratic National Convention which is expected to pick Carter as its presidential candidate. (AP Photo)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 1976
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Jimmy Carter with Wife Rosalynn Carter at the National Convention in Madison Square Garden in New York July 15, 1976. (AP Photo)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 1976
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In this Oct. 22, 1976 file photo, Jimmy Carter, second from left, gets a hug from his wife Rosalynn Carter after the third Presidential debate ended, Friday, Oct. 22, 1976, Williamsburg, Va. First Lady Betty Ford, center, and moderator Barbara Walters, right, can be seen in the background.Β
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 1976
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President-elect Jimmy Carter with his wife, Rosalynn, and daughter, Amy, 9, at their home in Plains, Georgia o Dec. 5, 1976. (AP Photo/CWH)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 1977
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Rosalynn Carter, left, looks up at her husband Jimmy Carter as he takes the oath of office as the 39th President of the United States at the Capitol, Thursday, Jan. 20, 1977, Washington, D.C. Mrs. Carter held a family Bible for her husband. (AP Photo)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 1977
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This Jan. 20, 1977 file photo shows President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter waving as they walk down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington after Carter was sworn in as the nation's 39th president.Β
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 1977
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President Jimmy Carter and Mrs. Rosalynn Carter in the blue room of the White House in Washington, Jan. 21, 1977, dancing, following his inauguration, also informal groups in the White House. (AP Photo/Peter Bregg)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 1977
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In this Feb. 17, 1977 black-and-white file photo, President Jimmy Carter talks with his wife Rosalynn Carter, prior to signing an executive order establishing a Presidential Commission on Mental Health, in the East Room of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Charles Tasnadi, File)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 1977
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President Jimmy Carter, and grandson Jason, two-years-old, return to the White House on Sunday, April 11, 1977, after a holiday weekend in Calhoun, Ga. Jason is the son of Carter's son, Jack, whose home the First Family visited in Calhoun. (AP Photo/ Peter Bregg)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 1977
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President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, carry their luggage to their home in Plains, Georgia Wednesday, Dec. 22, 1977 as they arrived to start their Christmas vacation at home. (AP Photo/DC)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 1978
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President Jimmy Carter and Mrs.Rosalynn Carter laugh while applauding speeches after a dinner in Atlanta Friday, Jan. 20, 1978, where they were honored guests. Carter returned to Atlanta on the first anniversary of his inauguration as President. (AP Photo)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 1978
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President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn lead their guests in dancing at the annual Congressional Christmas Ball at the White House in Washington on Dec. 13, 1978.Β
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 1979
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Pope John Paul II stands on the balcony of the White House with President Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Carter in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 6, 1979. (AP Photo)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 1979
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In this May 10, 1979 file photo, President Jimmy Carter pauses to kiss first lady Rosalynn Carter as he boards a helicopter in Washington, for the trip from the White House to Camp David, Maryland. Sign at upper left is on the tail of the helicopter. (AP Photo/Barry Thumma, File)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 1980
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President Jimmy Carter with wife and others at the Colosseum in Rome, Italy June 1980. (AP Photo)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 1980
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President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, ride on a bicycle built for two in Plains, Georgia on Dec. 24, 1980. The bike was a gift to the Carters and after it was presented to them downtown they rode it to their nearby Plains home. (AP Photo/Ira Schwarz)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 1984
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Former president Jimmy carter and his wife Rosalynn wave from the podium of San Francisco's Moscone Center, Monday, July 16, 1984 before carter addressed the opening session of the 1984 Democratic National Convention. (AP Photo/Peter Southwick)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 1985
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Willie Nelson, center, is shown on stage with former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn Carter, following the singing of "Amazing Grace," May 18, 1985 in Plains Ga. at Nelson's Plains Centennial Concert. (AP Photo/Ric Feld)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 1988
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Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn responded by delegates on Monday, July 18, 1988 during the session of the Democratic National Convention in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Charles Tasnadi)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 1995
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Former Pres. Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn, stand between Millard Fuller, left, founder of Habitat for Humanity, and Leroy Troyer, right, House Leader of Habitat for Humanity's Los Angeles projects, as they review the building plans for 20 houses in the Watts-Willowbrook area, June 18, 1995, Los Angeles, Calif. The former president has been active as one of Habitat for Humanity's most visible volunteers for over a decade. (AP Photo/Wally Santana)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 2004
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Former first lady Rosalynn Carter reacts after she christened the nuclear-powered attack submarine Jimmy Carter with the traditional bottle of champagne during a ceremony at Electric Boat Division, General Dynamics Corp. in Groton, Conn., Saturday, June 5, 2004. From left are John P. Casey, Electric B oat head; Rosalyn Carter; Secretary of the Navy Gordon R. England; former President Jimmy Carter; U.S. Rep. Rob Simmon s, R-Conn. (AP Photo/Bob Child)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 2007
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Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn walk on the tarmac at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2007, in Grand Rapids, Mich., as they arrive for the interment of President Gerald R. Ford. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 2007
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In this Sept. 10, 2007 file photo, former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn Carter pose for a portrait during the Toronto International Film Festival in Toronto. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 2008
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Former President Jimmy Carter, right, and his wife Rosalynn wave to the audience at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Monday, Aug. 25, 2008.(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 2009
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Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn look at a new interactive exhibit Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2009 at the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 2009
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This Oct. 1, 2009 file photo shows former President Jimmy Carter getting a kiss from his wife Rosalynn as she introduces him during a reopening ceremony for the newly redesigned Carter Presidential Library in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 2009
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This Oct. 7, 2009 photo shows former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, left, smiling next to his wife Rosalynn Carter during a visit to Dajabon, on the border with Haiti. Carter is visiting Haiti and the Dominican Republic to urge their leaders to forge a pact to rid the island of Hispaniola of malaria. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 2010
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Former president Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, cheer as the Atlanta Braves are introduced before Game 3 of baseball's National League Division Series between the Atlanta Braves and the San Francisco Giants on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 2011
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Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, left, and his wife Rosalynn visit a Habitat for Humanity project in Leogane, Haiti, Monday Nov. 7, 2011. The Carters joined volunteers from around the world to build 100 homes in partnership with earthquake-affected families in Haiti during a week-long Habitat for Humanity housing project. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 2014
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Former President Jimmy Carter, right, blows out candles on a birthday cake as wife Rosalynn looks on during his 90th birthday celebration, Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2014, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 2015
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Former President Jimmy Carter kisses his wife,Rosalynn, on the "Kiss Cam" during a baseball game between the Atlanta Braves and the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 2015
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Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, right, work at a Habitat for Humanity building site Monday, Nov. 2, 2015, in Memphis, Tenn. Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, have volunteered a week of their time annually to Habitat for Humanity since 1984, events dubbed "Carter work projects" that draw thousands of volunteers and take months of planning. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 2017
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Former President Jimmy Carter, center right, and his wife Rosalynn arrive for a ribbon cutting ceremony for a solar panel project on farmland he owns in their hometown of Plains, Ga., Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 2018
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Former President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter are seen ahead of an NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 2018
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Former President Jimmy Carter, and Rosalynn Carter hold hands as they walk from a State Funeral for former President George H.W. Bush at the National Cathedral, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 2019
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Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter, left, sit as guests of Maranatha Baptist Church come and go to have their photo made with them, after Jimmy taught Sunday school there, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019, in Plains, Ga. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 2021
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Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, sit together during a reception to celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary, July 10, 2021, in Plains, Ga.Β
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 2023
Former President Jimmy Carter departs after attending the funeral service for his wife, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, at Maranatha Baptist Church, in Plains, Ga., Nov. 29, 2023. In the year since Jimmy Carter first entered home hospice care, the 39th president has celebrated his 99th birthday, enjoyed tributes to his legacy and outlived his wife of 77 years. Rosalynn Carter, who died in November after suffering from dementia, spent just a few days under hospice.Β
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, 2023
Former President Jimmy Carter greets attendees as he departs the funeral service for his wife, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, at Maranatha Baptist Church, in Plains, Ga., Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Former President Jimmy Carter praised for his election observation work around the world
UpdatedAvery Davis-Roberts is an expert on election observation and standards. She manages the Carter Center's work on U.S elections. She has worked with former President Jimmy Carter on a number of election missions overseas. Carter helped oversee democratic elections in Nicaragua and Haiti, and the first Palestinian elections. Altogether, he participated in 39 of the Carter Centerβs 100 election observation trips.
Habitat for Humanity homeowners reflect on Jimmy Carter's work
Habitat For HumanityΒ helped build more than 80 homes that make up Musicians Village, a neighborhood specifically designed to help New Orleans musicians who lost their homes in Hurricane Katrina. Former President Jimmy CarterΒ and his wife, Rosalynn, were right there, side-by-side with residents, rebuilding the neighborhood.
