How old was Amy Carter in the White House? What we know about Jimmy Carter’s only daughter

How old was Amy Carter in the White House? What we know about Jimmy Carter’s only daughter

Amy Lynn Carter was born on October 19, 1967 in Plains Georgia to former President of the United States of America Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter. She moved into the White House when she was just nine years old This makes her one of the youngest children to live there since John F. Kennedy’s children.

Amy Carter was born into a family that was very active in politics. Her father became governor of Georgia in 1970 and the family moved to Atlanta to live. But things changed in 1976 when her father was elected President of the United States.

During her years in the White House between 1977 and 1981, Amy was quite a popular figure. She attended public schools, which was not the norm for a president’s child at the time.

Not only has Amy been in the spotlight for a long time, but she has also been involved in many of her parents’ public events. Interestingly, she had a Siamese cat named Misty Malarky Ying Yang who lived with her in the White House.


Activism and public life

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter honored in Georgia - Source: GettyHonor for former First Lady Rosalynn Carter in Georgia - Source: Getty
Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter honored in Georgia – Source: Getty

Amy Carter came into the political spotlight when her father’s presidency ended in 1981. She reportedly protested against US foreign policy and actions, such as apartheid in South Africa and CIA recruitment initiatives. She was arrested during a protest at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1986, but charges of disorderly conduct and trespassing were dropped.

Speaking of her infamous arrest: She knows it quoted Amy as saying:

“I would say 60 or 80 police officers in riot gear, with batons, maces and with four or five police dogs – it was really horrific. That was the final decision, not wanting to leave these people there alone.”

Aside from her activism, Amy participated in illustrating her father’s children’s book entitled The little baby Snoogle Fleejer from 1995.


Amy Carter’s personal life

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter Buried in Plains, Georgia - Source: GettyFormer First Lady Rosalynn Carter Buried in Plains, Georgia - Source: Getty
Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter Buried in Plains, Georgia – Source: Getty

Amy Carter has been married twice. In 1996 she married James Wentzel. Due to personal problems, they separated from their son Hugo. In 2007, she married John Joseph “Jay” Kelly and they had a son named Errol Kelly.

Amy has generally kept a low profile in her life.

Amy Carter is 57 years old as of December 2024 and remains committed to the Carter Center, through which she participates in numerous philanthropic activities.


Jimmy Carter’s other children

Former President Jimmy Carter signs copies of his new book - Source: GettyFormer President Jimmy Carter signs copies of his new book - Source: Getty
Former President Jimmy Carter signs copies of his new book – Source: Getty

In addition to Amy Lynn Carter, Jimmy had three children: John William “Jack” Carter, James Earl “Chip” Carter III and Donnel Jeffrey “Jeff” Carter.

The oldest son, Jack, is interested in business and politics and ran for U.S. Senate in Nevada in 2006 as the Democratic candidate to replace the Republican incumbent.

Chip has held various roles, including businessman and political advisor.

Jeff studied geography and co-founded a computer mapping company.

Jimmy Carter is survived by his four children, who together helped build a family legacy of service, education and community involvement; He also had grandchildren and great-grandchildren, 22 in total.


Jimmy Carter’s death

Former President James “Jimmy” Carter died at the age of 100 on December 29, 2024, at his home in Plains, Georgia, the Carter Center announced. He was in hospice care for nearly two years after experiencing a series of health complications, including melanoma that had spread to his liver and brain.