my Carter
Amy Carter, the youngest child and only daughter of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, is best known for growing up in the White House during the late 1970s. Her adult life, however, has been defined by privacy rather than public attention. Interest in Amy Carter’s husband and children reflects curiosity about how she built a family life away from politics and media scrutiny. Married to John Joseph “Jay” Kelly and mother of two sons, Amy Carter has chosen a low-profile path, balancing her family legacy with a quiet personal life focused on marriage, motherhood, and selective public service.
Who Is Amy Carter?

Amy Lynn Carter was born on October 19, 1967, in Plains, Georgia. She is the only daughter of Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter and the youngest of their four children. During her father’s presidency from 1977 to 1981, Amy became a familiar public figure as a young White House resident.
As she grew older, Amy Carter pursued education in art and art history, eventually earning degrees from the Memphis College of Art and Tulane University. Unlike many children of political figures, she did not seek a public career tied to her family’s status.
Amy Carter’s Husband and Marriages

Public curiosity around Amy Carter’s husband reflects a broader interest in how she navigated adulthood after a highly visible childhood. Amy Carter has been married twice, and both marriages were kept relatively private.
First Marriage to James Gregory Wentzel
Amy Carter married James Gregory Wentzel in 1996 in a quiet ceremony in Plains, Georgia. Wentzel worked as a computer consultant, and the couple avoided media attention during their marriage.
They later divorced in 2005. From this marriage, Amy Carter became a mother for the first time.
Marriage to John Joseph “Jay” Kelly
In 2007, Amy Carter married John Joseph “Jay” Kelly, her current husband. Very little is publicly known about Kelly, reflecting the couple’s consistent effort to maintain privacy.
Together, they have lived largely outside the public spotlight, focusing on family life rather than public roles or media exposure.
Amy Carter’s Children
One of the most searched topics related to her life is Amy Carter’s children. She has two sons, each from one of her marriages.
Hugo James Wentzel
- Born in 1999
- Son of Amy Carter and James Gregory Wentzel
Hugo James Wentzel is Amy Carter’s eldest child and the first grandchild of President Jimmy Carter. Though raised privately, he has occasionally drawn public attention due to his family connection.
Despite his famous lineage, Amy Carter largely shielded Hugo from the spotlight during his upbringing, emphasizing normalcy and privacy.
Errol Carter Kelly
- Born around 2010
- Son of Amy Carter and John Joseph “Jay” Kelly
Errol Carter Kelly is Amy Carter’s younger son. Details about his life remain limited, as Amy Carter and her husband have intentionally kept his upbringing out of public view.
This approach aligns with Amy Carter’s long-standing preference for keeping family matters separate from public discourse.
A Deliberately Private Family Life
Amy Carter’s approach to marriage and parenting differs sharply from that of many political families. Rather than embracing public platforms, she has consistently prioritized privacy.
Key aspects of her family life include:
- Minimal media appearances
- No public social media presence
- Limited public commentary on personal matters
While she remains connected to the Carter legacy through involvement with the Carter Center, her role is primarily advisory and behind the scenes.
Life Beyond Politics
Although Amy Carter was politically active as a young adult, she has not pursued elected office or ongoing political commentary. Her focus in later years has centered on family, art, and selective nonprofit involvement.
This balance allows her to honor her family’s tradition of public service without placing her husband or children in the public eye.
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Lasting Public Interest in Amy Carter’s Family
Interest in Amy Carter’s husband and children persists because she represents a rare case: a presidential child who experienced intense early visibility but chose a quieter adult life.
Her story resonates with readers curious about how public figures protect their families while living in the public eye.
Conclusion
Amy Carter’s family life reflects intention and restraint. Married to John Joseph “Jay” Kelly and mother to two sons, she has built a life centered on privacy, stability, and independence from public expectation. While her name remains part of American history, her family story is defined less by politics and more by personal choice.
FAQ
How many children does Amy Carter have?
Amy Carter has two children, both sons.
Who is Amy Carter’s husband?
Amy Carter is married to John Joseph “Jay” Kelly. They wed in 2007.
Was Amy Carter married before?
Yes. Her first marriage was to James Gregory Wentzel, from 1996 to 2005.
Does Amy Carter live a public life today?
No. She maintains a largely private life, with limited public appearances.
Are Amy Carter’s children in the public spotlight?
No. Amy Carter has consistently protected her children’s privacy.

