Jimmy Carter’s Life in Rare Photos: From Georgia Farm Boy to Beloved President and Humanitarian

Jimmy Carter’s Life in Rare Photos: A Journey of Love, Service and Legacy

By Julianne MacNeill Updated: January 9, 2025

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Former United States President, Nobel Peace Prize recipient and humanitarian Jimmy Carter died on December 29, 2024, at age 100 following nearly two years in hospice. Carter and his legacy will be remembered through his firm belief in human rights and peace. Get a glimpse into the life of Jimmy Carter, and the ways in which he was honored by United States leaders, through these rare photos of the 39th President.

Jimmy Carter’s early life

Jimmy Carter Bettmann / Contributor / Getty

Jimmy Carter was born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia. He was the son of James Earl Carter Senior and Lillian Carter. He was one of four children, his siblings Billy, Ruth and Gloria. In the photo above from 1925, the future president of the United States is age 1.
Historical / Contributor / Getty

Carter attended Plains High School in Plains, Georgia, where he was a member of the school’s basketball team. Carter (#10) is posed at age 16 alongside high school basketball teammates at Plains High School in this 1940 photo.
Naval service and early career

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Following his days at Plains High, Jimmy Carter attended the United States Naval Academy, from which he graduated in 1946. In this photo, Carter is posed alongside another fellow cadet at the US Naval Academy in 1946 at age 22.
Library of Congress / Contributor / Getty

After he graduated from the academy, Carter served as a submariner and lieutenant in the Navy from 1946 until 1953. After he left active duty, he continued as a reservist until 1961. The photo above shows Carter during his days in the Navy.
The Carter’s 77-year-long love story

Bettmann / Contributor / Getty

Carter tied the knot with his wife, Rosalynn Carter, in 1945 after knowing each other for nearly their entire lives. He shared a statement about his late wife following her passing, saying, “Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished. She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me.” The Carters’ 77-year-long love story is one for the ages. The couple welcomed four children together: Jack, Chip, Jeff and Amy. The photo above shows the couple with their three sons, Chip, Jeff and Jack, in the 1950s. Jimmy and Rosalynn also had 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Back in 2015, Carter shared some insight on his family life. “We have a big family now. We have 22 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, 38 of us in all,” he said. “So, we try to hold our family together and just enjoy the family life.”
Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer / Getty

Carter became governor of Georgia in 1971 until 1975. In the above photo, Carter and his wife are posed alongside rock n’ roll legend, Elvis Presley in 1973.
Carter’s presidency

Historical / Contributor / Getty

During his time as governor, Carter, who grew up working on a peanut farm, ventured back to his hometown to visit the farm.
Rick Diamond / Contributor / Getty

Once Carter was nominated for President, he and his wife were often seen out together. This photo shows the future president and first lady spending some time together.
Hulton Archive / Staff / Getty

In November 1976, Carter and his wife received the news that he won the national general election. The two celebrate in this photo after hearing the results.
Bettmann / Contributor / Getty

President Jimmy Carter sits behind desk in the White House Oval Office, ready to address the nation on his energy proposals.
Consolidated News Pictures / Contributor / Getty

While serving in the White House, Carter, his wife and daughter, Amy, spend time, including holidays together. The family are posed together in front of a Christmas tree in 1977.
Humanitarian efforts and later years

Getty Images / Stringer / Getty

Following his time as President, Carter took on more as a humanitarian. He even accepted a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his years of public service and campaign for human rights.
Jimmy later in life

STR / Stringer / Getty

In later years, he and his wife continued their work for their foundation, The Carter Center. The two took part in many events over the years and changed lives.
Remembering Jimmy Carter

ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty

The former president was honored at a formal funeral service held at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., on January 9, 2025.

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