Yesterday afternoon, the 39th President of the United States – Jimmy Carter – passed away at the age of 100.
The former president was entered into hospice care back in February of 2023, and was at his home surrounded by loved ones for many of his final days. Carter made a rare public appearance when he attended his late wife’s funeral service in November of 2023 at the Glenn Memorial Church at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter were married for 77 years, which is the longest of any first couple in the history of the country. Though Carter only served one term that ran from the late ’70s to the early ’80s, he and his wife were known for the great humanitarian work they did long after his time in office – specifically through Habitat for Humanity.
It was through that work that the Carters became linked with Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood. The superstar couple really got to know the Carter family when Garth and Trisha jumped in to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2007. Brooks and Yearwood fell in love with the humanitarian work, and Trisha told People that they were really encouraged to get involved because of everything the Carters were doing in their late life:
“To whom much is given, much is expected. We’ll never fill (the Carter’s) shoes, but we’re doing the best we can. We knew we loved the Carters and we fell more in love with them just getting a chance to work alongside them.
We love what Habitat for Humanity is about: spreading love. It is about creating community.”
Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1984, and since its creation, they’ve helped to build over 4,000 homes in over 14 countries. In 2024 alone, the non-profit organization helped 3 million people build a new house or improve on their existing home.
After being heavily involved in efforts by Habitats for Humanity, and spending plenty of time with the Carters, Brooks stated that the former president and first lady taught them about marriage just as much as they inspired them to help others:
“They’ve inspired us in a lot of ways, in the ways you expect: humanity, humbleness, work ethic. But they’ve also inspired us by their example as husband and wife. We worked beside them for the last 15 years, and you notice right away they bicker back and forth about the right way to do things. That kind of works for us too!”
Every good relationship has a healthy amount of bickering. The Carters were married for 77 years, so they were definitely doing something right – and Garth and Trisha took notes.
Garth and Trisha performed at Rosalynn Carter’s funeral when she passed, so there’s a good chance they’ll make another appearance at Jimmy Carter’s service. They were undoubtedly tied to the presidential couple, and the humanitarian work that they became known for in Carter’s post-president life. Garth and Trisha apparently learned a lot from the Carters, but it’s possible that they learned nothing more important than the fruitful endeavor of giving back to the less fortunate.
As Garth explained, there’s nothing better than seeing someone enter back into their home – or a new one – after they lost everything:
“The cheers and the tears – their journey inside their house has begun. And the Carters said it best: If you go to sleep with a roof over your head, you’re spoiled.”
Trisha took to Instagram to share a touching tribute to the late President:
“Rest easy, Mr. President. I’m sad for us, and happy for you. Your and Mrs. Rosalynn’s legacy of love will live forever.”
