Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s marriage is one of the longest and most enduring in American history. The couple holds the record for the longest-married presidential couple, having shared 77 years of life together. Their love story began in 1945 when Jimmy, at the age of 21, asked Rosalynn, then 18, out to the movies. Just the following day, he told her mother that he wanted to marry her. By 1946, they were living together, and their bond only grew stronger over the years.
Their deep connection was rooted in their childhoods in Plains, Georgia. Rosalynn lived in the same neighborhood as Jimmy and often played with his younger sister, Ruth. This long-standing familiarity laid the foundation for their future together, making their marriage more than just a romantic partnership—it became a lifelong friendship.
In 2014, as Jimmy celebrated his 90th birthday, Rosalynn reflected on their relationship, saying, “Over the years, we have become not only friends in love but partners in life. He always believed I could do anything.” This mutual respect and unwavering support were central to their union.
After leaving the White House, the Carters chose to return to their modest two-bedroom home in Plains, where they had lived before Jimmy entered politics. Despite their years in the spotlight, they opted for a quiet, humble life, free from the extravagance that often accompanies political power. The house, worth far less than the Secret Service armored cars parked outside, became their permanent residence. Their lasting commitment to each other and to their simple, grounded life together in Plains is a testament to the strength and resilience of their love.