Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s Legacy of Peace and Health
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter came from humble beginnings. They were born in the small farming community of Plains, Georgia, a place they forever called home.
Their foray into politics began when he won a Georgia Senate race in 1962. He went on to be elected governor of Georgia in 1970 and then U.S. president in 1976. She dug in beside him as a working partner and trusted advisor, elevating the role of First Lady in unprecedented ways.
They were a formidable team — equal partners — guided by integrity, faith, and service to others.
In 1982, one year after leaving the White House, they created The Carter Center. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, we’re a nongovernmental not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people around the globe through programs to alleviate suffering and advance human rights.
The bond of our common humanity is stronger than the divisiveness of our fears and prejudices. God gives us the capacity for choice. We can choose to alleviate suffering. We can choose to work together for peace. We can make these changes — and we must.
Mrs. Carter passed away in November 2023 at age 96; President Carter died in December 2024 at age 100. In their 77 years of marriage, the pair helped change the world.
In awarding them the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1999, President Bill Clinton said, “Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter have done more good things for more people in more places than any other couple on the face of the Earth.”
Our Values and Vision
The Carters originally envisioned the Center as a miniature Camp David, dedicated to conflict resolution. Over time, the mission evolved as they saw opportunities to fill gaps in peacemaking and global health.
Today, our focus includes protecting human rights, fostering democratic principles, promoting the rule of law and access to information, tackling neglected tropical diseases, and advocating for people facing issues related to mental health and caregiving.
We’ve carried out this work in more than 90 countries.
For decades, both Carters remained deeply involved in the overall direction and daily operation of the Center. They traveled extensively and remained passionately engaged in the work.
And while they are no longer with us, we strive every day to honor their legacy by fulfilling their mission to wage peace, fight disease, and build hope around the world.
Our Future
Since our founding more than 40 years ago, the world has changed — as have the needs of people around the globe. What hasn’t changed is our commitment to showing up and making a difference.
Our more than 3,500 employees worldwide remain guided by the principles that Mrs. Carter and President Carter brought to the Center and our work.
What they cared about carries us forward.
Learn More About Our Founders
Global Impact Starts with You
Your support sustains the Carter Center's mission of waging peace, fighting disease, and building hope around the world.
