Jimmy Carter, Longest-Lived U.S. President, Attributed Longevity to Marriage with Rosalynn Carter

Former President Jimmy Carter, who died at age 100 on December 29, 2024, credited his century-long life in part to his enduring marriage to Rosalynn Carter, his wife of 77 years.

Carter, the 39th President of the United States, often cited his marriage as central to his well-being. “I think the best explanation for that is to marry the best spouse: someone who will take care of you and engage and do things to challenge you and keep you alive and interested in life,” he once said.

A man kissing his wife | Source: Pexels

Rosalynn Carter passed away in November 2023 at the age of 96. The couple, who met in their hometown of Plains, Georgia, raised four children and left behind 22 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Their partnership extended into public service. During Carter’s presidency, Rosalynn attended Cabinet meetings and, after their White House years, the couple co-founded The Carter Center in 1982. The organization, focused on global humanitarian work, has partnered with Habitat for Humanity to build thousands of homes in more than 10 countries.

A couple holding hands | Source: Pexels

In retirement, the Carters returned to Plains, purchasing a modest home valued at $167,000. They enjoyed simple pastimes together, including birdwatching, tennis, and skiing. “Now when we have a quiet moment… we like to stay at home, just by ourselves,” Carter said of their later years.