Amy Carter, the daughter of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, grew up in the public eye but chose a life far from politics and media spotlight. Once known as the little girl who lived in the White House, Amy has since built a private and meaningful life centered on art, activism, and family.
Many people today wonder what happened to her, where she is now, what she does, and how much she’s worth after all these years.
In this guide, I’ll explore Amy Carter’s net worth, her early life and family background, and the inspiring path she’s taken since her days as America’s First Daughter.
Who is Amy Carter, and why is she famous?
Amy Carter is best known as the daughter of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. She became a public figure at a very young age when her father took office in 1977, making her one of the few children to grow up in the White House.
During her childhood, Amy captured national attention with her down-to-earth personality and simple lifestyle, which reflected her family’s humble values. As she grew older, Amy became known not just as a presidential daughter but also as a passionate activist who spoke out on social and political issues.
She speaks about human rights and environmental causes. Her early fame and later advocacy work have made her a unique and respected figure in American history.
Early Life, age, and childhood years in the White House
Amy Lynn Carter was born on October 19, 1967, in Plains, Georgia, USA, to Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. She was only nine years old when her father became the President of the United States in 1977, making her one of the youngest children to live in the White House in modern history.
Quick Facts About Amy Carter
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Amy Lynn Carter |
| Date of Birth | October 19, 1967 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 58 years old |
| Birthplace | Plains, Georgia, USA |
| Parents | Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter |
| Famous For | Being the daughter of the 39th U.S. President |
| White House Years | 1977–1981 |
During her time in the White House, Amy attended public school, something unusual for a presidential child, reflecting her family’s belief in equality and modest living.
She had a pet cat named Misty Malarky Ying Yang, who became almost as famous as she was. Despite the spotlight, Amy remained grounded and continued to live a normal childhood filled with school, friends, and reading. Her simple and relatable nature during her father’s presidency made her one of the most memorable First Daughters in American history.
Education and early interest of Carter
Amy began her elementary education around 1973, at about age 6, in Plains, Georgia. When her father, Jimmy Carter, was elected President in 1976, the family moved to Washington, D.C.
Early Education:
- Elementary School: Attended Stevens Elementary School in Washington, D.C. while living in the White House.
- High School: Later studied at Woodward Academy in College Park, Georgia, after her family returned home when her father’s presidency ended.
College Education:
- Memphis College of Art – Earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
- Tulane University – Completed her Master’s degree in Art History.
Early Interests and Passions
- Her experiences as a First Daughter gave her a broader view of the world, inspiring her to later participate in peaceful protests and humanitarian causes.
- Amy showed a deep love for art from a young age, often sketching and painting during her free time.
- She was interested in books and reading, known for her thoughtful and quiet personality even during her White House years.
- As she grew older, Amy developed a strong interest in activism, particularly in social justice, human rights, and political awareness.
Amy Carter’s family members and personal life
Amy Carter comes from one of America’s most respected and admired families, the Carter family, known for their dedication to public service, kindness, and humanitarian work. Despite her famous background, Amy has chosen to live a private and peaceful life centered around her loved ones.
Parents:
Jimmy Carter (Father): Former President of the United States (1977–1981) and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize (2002).
Rosalynn Carter (Mother): Born on August 18, 1927, Rosalynn Carter was the First Lady of the United States and a strong advocate for mental health awareness and community service.
Siblings:
Amy is the youngest of the Carter children and the only daughter. She has three older brothers, each of whom has followed their own paths:
| Name | Birth Year | Known For |
| John William “Jack” Carter | 1947 | Businessman and political figure; ran for the U.S. Senate from Nevada in 2006. |
| James Earl “Chip” Carter III | 1950 | Activist and political consultant, often involved in Democratic causes. |
| Donnel Jeffrey “Jeff” Carter | 1952 | Co-founder of a computer mapping company and engaged in technology-related projects. |
Husband and Children
Amy Carter’s first husband was James Gregory Wentzel, a computer consultant and bookstore manager. The two met while Amy was studying at Tulane University, and they married in 1996. But the couple divorced in 2005 due to personal concerns.
Carter has a son, Hugo James Wentzel, from her first husband born in 1999.
Amy Carter married her second husband, John Joseph “Jay” Kelly, who is known to keep an equally low profile. Together, they have a son named Errol.
A summary table about her husbands and sons:
| Category | Name | Years / Notes |
| First Husband | James Gregory Wentzel | Married 1996 – Divorced 2005 |
| Son (with James Wentzel) | Hugo James Wentzel | Born 1999 – Appeared on Claim to Fame (2023) |
| Second Husband | John Joseph “Jay” Kelly | Married 2007 – Present |
| Son (with Jay Kelly) | Errol Kelly | Born after 2007 (Lives privately) |
What is Amy Carter’s net worth in 2025?
According to Citimuzik, Amy Carter’s estimated net worth is around $7 million. Although she is not involved in politics or entertainment like many other public figures, her wealth comes from a combination of family inheritance, investments, and her career in art and illustration.
Amy has also benefited from her connection to The Carter Center, a nonprofit organization founded by her parents, which focuses on global peace and humanitarian efforts.
Quick Overview of Amy Carter’s Net Worth
| Source of Income | Details |
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | $7 million (approx.) |
| Main Sources | Family inheritance, art-related projects, investments |
| Profession | Artist, Illustrator, Activist |
| Lifestyle | Private, modest, and family-oriented |
| Residence | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
What does Amy Carter do for a living? Income sources
Carter is not directly involved in politics like her father, but she pursues her early passion for art and her father’s legacy of philanthropy work. Here is what she does for a living:
Association with The Carter Center: Carter occasionally contributes to the Carter Center, her family’s nonprofit that promotes peace and human rights. Although this isn’t a paid job, her connection to the organization keeps her involved in meaningful global work.
Art and Illustration: Carter uses her fine arts education to create and sell artwork and illustrations. Her creative projects have been her main personal income source.
Family Inheritance: As the daughter of President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter, Carter has inherited part of the Carter family’s wealth, which includes assets, savings, and royalties from her parents’ books and public service work.
Investments and Savings: Over the years, she has managed her finances carefully, maintaining steady income through personal investments and family trust funds.
Amy Carter’s involvement in political and social activism during her youth
Amy Carter became widely recognized during her youth not only as a former First Daughter but also as a strong advocate for social and political change. After growing up in the White House and witnessing her father’s dedication to peace and human rights, Amy developed a deep interest in issues affecting society.
She used her position to stand up for justice, equality, and global awareness at a time when many young people were becoming politically active.
During the 1980s and early 1990s, Amy participated in numerous student demonstrations and peace protests. Her activism focused on promoting fairness and speaking out against policies she viewed as harmful or unjust.
Some of her most notable efforts include:
- Protesting CIA recruitment on college campuses, believing it encouraged U.S. involvement in unfair foreign policies.
- Joining anti-apartheid movements to oppose racial segregation in South Africa.
- Advocating for human rights and peace, especially in developing countries affected by U.S. foreign policy.
One of the most publicized moments of her activism came in 1986, when Amy was arrested during a peaceful protest at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
The demonstration was against CIA recruitment and U.S. actions in Central America. She was later acquitted of all charges, and her participation became a powerful symbol of youthful activism and moral courage.
Even though Amy later stepped back from public political life, her early involvement showed her genuine compassion for others and her willingness to take a stand for what she believed in. Her activism remains a reminder that principles, empathy, and courage can define a person far more than fame or politics.
How Amy Carter continues her father’s legacy in quiet ways
Amy Carter continues her father Jimmy Carter’s legacy through a life of humility, compassion, and service, just without the public spotlight.
She remains involved with The Carter Center, the organization her parents founded to support human rights, global health, and conflict resolution. Through her quiet support, Amy helps continue the Carter family’s mission to improve lives around the world.
Outside of her connection to The Carter Center, Amy also expresses her values through art and education. With her background in fine arts and art history, she uses creativity as a way to inspire understanding and empathy, much like her father used leadership to promote peace.
Now living a simple and private life in Atlanta, Georgia, Amy Carter shows that carrying on a legacy doesn’t always require public attention. She continues her father’s lifelong message that true leadership begins with service to others with kindness, purpose, and integrity.
Amy Carter today – living a private life
Amy Carter is living a quiet and private life away from the spotlight that once surrounded her during her childhood in the White House. She has chosen a peaceful lifestyle focused on family, art, and meaningful work, far from the world of politics and media.
Amy currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia, where she spends most of her time with her husband, John Joseph “Jay” Kelly, and their son, Errol.
Her older son, Hugo James Wentzel, is now an adult and occasionally makes public appearances, including his 2023 appearance on the reality show Claim to Fame. Despite her famous background, Amy prefers a simple, family-centred life.
Amy Carter’s net worth and other Presidential kids’ worth
Amy Carter’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at around $7 million, which mainly comes from her work as an artist, along with family inheritance and investments.
In comparison, Donald Trump Jr., the son of former President Donald Trump, has an estimated net worth of about $350 million, earned through real estate, investments, and business ventures. Similarly, Ivanka Trump, his sister, is one of the wealthiest presidential children, with a net worth of around $740 million.
Chelsea Clinton, daughter of Bill and Hillary Clinton, has built an impressive career in media, writing, and philanthropy, with an estimated net worth of $30 million. Meanwhile, Jenna Bush Hager, daughter of George W. Bush, has found success as a TV host and author, earning an estimated $15 million.
Unlike many other presidential children, Amy has chosen to live a quiet and modest life in Atlanta, away from fame and politics.
Closing Insights on Amy Carter’s net worth, life, and legacy
Amy Carter’s life shows that you don’t need fame or power to make a difference. From growing up in the White House to becoming an artist, activist, and caring mother, she has always lived with kindness and purpose.
She continues to follow the values her parents, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, taught her, to stay humble, help others, and live with compassion.
Now living a simple life in Atlanta, Georgia, Amy quietly supports her family’s work through The Carter Center and spends time with her loved ones. Her story is a beautiful example of how living peacefully, doing what you love, and caring for others can leave a lasting mark on the world.
People Also Ask
What Destinations Do You Offer?
Amy Carter was born on October 19, 1967, which makes her 58 years old as of 2025.
What is Amy Carter doing now in 2025?
Amy Carter lives a private and peaceful life in Atlanta, Georgia. She focuses on her artwork, family and continues to support The Carter Center’s humanitarian work quietly behind the scenes.
Was Amy Carter involved in politics or activism?
Yes. During her college years in the 1980s, Amy was active in student protests focused on human rights, anti-apartheid movements, and U.S. foreign policy. She was even arrested in 1986 during a peaceful protest against CIA recruitment but was later acquitted of all charges.
Why did Amy Carter become famous as a child?
Amy gained attention as the youngest child living in the White House during President Jimmy Carter’s term from 1977 to 1981. She was only nine years old when her family moved in.
Is Amy Carter still active publicly?
No, Amy leads a very private life and rarely appears in public. However, she remains quietly connected to her family’s humanitarian work through The Carter Center, supporting causes like peace, health, and human rights.
