Jimmy Carter’s Last Lessons Win Posthumous Grammy Award

Former President Jimmy Carter has posthumously won his fourth Grammy Award for “Last Sundays in Plains: A Centennial Celebration,” an audiobook featuring recordings of his final Sunday School lessons from Maranatha Baptist Church in Georgia. The award was accepted by his grandson, Jason Carter, at the 2025 Grammy ceremony.

Why It Matters

This win reinforces Carter’s unique legacy that extends beyond politics into cultural and spiritual realms. The award celebrates his lifelong commitment to faith and education, coming shortly after his passing at age 100.

The recording preserves his teachings for future generations while adding to his distinction as one of the most decorated former presidents in Grammy history.

What To Know

The winning audiobook features collaborations with prominent musicians including Darius Rucker, Lee Ann Rimes, and Jon Batiste.

Carter secured victory in the audio book, narration, and storytelling recording category against formidable competitors such as Barbra Streisand, Dolly Parton, George Clinton, and producer Guy Oldfield.

This fourth Grammy award, all earned in spoken word categories, adds to Carter’s remarkable cultural impact. Had he received this recognition while alive, Carter would have surpassed pianist Pinetop Perkins, who won at age 97, as the oldest Grammy recipient in history. Among former presidents, Carter’s four Grammy wins exceed Barack Obama and Bill Clinton’s two awards each, while First Ladies Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton have each earned one Grammy.

What People Are Saying

Jason Carter on his grandfather’s musical connection: “He’s such an enormous music fan. He loves the creative aspect of music. It’s been an important part of his political life, an important part of his personal life. He’s an artist in many ways.”

The Carter Center on X: “Thank you, Grammys, for honoring President Carter with his fourth award.”