Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s Six Key Secrets to a Successful Marriage
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter enjoyed a remarkable 77-year marriage, marking the longest union between any presidential couple in U.S. history.
Their love story began in their adolescence, culminating in marriage in 1946. It only concluded with her passing in 2023 at the age of 96, while he departed on a Sunday at the age of 100.
Jimmy regarded Rosalynn as his equal partner in all endeavors, expressing that as long as she was alive, he knew he had someone who loved and supported him unconditionally.
“The best thing I ever did was marrying Rosalynn. That’s the pinnacle of my life,” the former president shared in 2015. “That’s the best thing that happened to me.”
Rosalynn described their bond as “exciting, loving, interesting, unpredictable, challenging,” and “a wonderful romance.”
“Over the years, we became not only friends and lovers, but partners,” she reflected in 2014.
The couple appeared inseparable, undertaking trips and volunteering together well after Jimmy’s presidency. Their profound love carried a playful spirit — they often participated in “kiss cams” at sports events even in their 80s and 90s.
Experts suggest that Jimmy Carter’s enduring marriage contributed to his remarkable longevity.
A touching cartoon by Mike Luckovich, a cartoonist for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, depicts the couple reunited in the afterlife, with Rosalynn welcoming her husband as he arrives in heaven.
Here’s what the Carters shared about their keys to a successful marriage:
Choose Your Life Partner Wisely
Jimmy Carter emphasized selecting the right spouse.
“Marry the best partner: one who will care for you, inspire you, and keep you engaged and excited about life,” he advised in 2019.
Maintain Mutual Respect
“In the early years of our marriage, we cultivated a deep respect for each other’s abilities,” Rosalynn Carter noted. “He has always believed in my capabilities, and that has led us to some incredible adventures.”
Together, they raised four children and operated a farm supply business. Rosalynn campaigned for Jimmy during his presidential run, served as a trusted advisor throughout his political career, and was often described as his “secret weapon.”
“I take pride in him,” she stated.
According to the Gottman Institute, which studies marriage dynamics, happy couples respect each other even in challenging times. In contrast, feelings of contempt are a leading predictor of divorce.
Allow Each Other Space
Encourage your partner to lead a full life, pursuing their own interests.
“We learned early on that strong-willed individuals will inevitably face disagreements,” Jimmy Carter explained during an interview for the book “What Makes a Marriage Last.”
“Thus, we made a point of giving each other sufficient space. If Rosalynn is passionate about something, she pursues it her way, accepting my assistance when needed. She also allows me the freedom to work on my projects while offering help when I ask.”
Acknowledge That Challenges Will Arise
The couple once agreed to co-author a book, “Everything to Gain: Making the Most of the Rest of Your Life,” but Rosalynn later referred to the collaboration as a “disaster.” At one stage, they hadn’t spoken for a while and exchanged “hateful letters,” she recounted.
“Writing the book was a significant challenge,” Rosalynn Carter told TODAY in 1987.
“At one point, we feared the final chapter could detail our divorce,” Jimmy Carter joked.
However, they managed to navigate through this period and learned that such fleeting moments of difficulty “are overshadowed by the joyous life we lead,” she remarked.
Never Go to Bed Angry
Following that stressful time, the couple committed to resolving any disagreements before sleeping, irrespective of the day’s events.
“We strive to reconcile fully each night, always sharing a kiss before falling asleep,” Jimmy Carter told PBS in 2021.
“We genuinely aim for complete understanding each night.”
Continuously Seek New Activities Together
The couple took up downhill skiing when Rosalynn was 59 and Jimmy was 62, among various adventures they pursued together.
“We climbed mountains, including the peaks in Nepal and Mount Fuji,” she reminisced on Jimmy’s 90th birthday.
“I became interested in fly fishing. Although he was already adept, I wanted to learn because we enjoy doing these activities together—fly fishing, birdwatching.”
According to one study, couples who regularly engage in “shared exciting activities” experience markedly higher levels of romantic excitement and relationship satisfaction.
“Exploring new and thrilling activities together allows couples to rekindle similar feelings to those they once experienced,” noted Sonja Lyubomirsky, psychology professor at the University of California, Riverside, in an interview with the American Psychological Association.
