In a touching tribute to his legacy, the late President Jimmy Carter was awarded a posthumous Grammy Award for Best Audiobook, Narration, and Storytelling Recording during the 2025 Grammy Awards. This recognition comes just over a month after his passing at the age of 100 on December 29, 2024.
A celebration of life and faith
Carter’s award was for “Last Sundays in Plains: A Centennial Celebration,” an audiobook that features recordings of his final Sunday school lessons delivered at Maranatha Baptist Church in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. The album, released in August 2024, captures Carter’s reflections on themes such as love, kindness, forgiveness, and the afterlife. Notably, it includes musical contributions from artists like Darius Rucker, Jon Batiste, and LeAnn Rimes, enriching the listening experience with heartfelt melodies.
During the pre-gala ceremony in Los Angeles, Jason Carter, one of the former president’s grandsons who delivered a eulogy at his funeral, accepted the award on behalf of his grandfather. “Having his words captured in this way for my family and for the world is truly remarkable,” he expressed to a standing ovation from the audience.
A legacy of storytelling
This Grammy marks Carter’s fourth win; he previously received three Grammys in the Best Spoken Word Album category for titles including “Faith: A Journey for All” (2019), “A Full Life: Reflections at 90” (2016), and “Our Endangered Values: America’s Moral Crisis” (2007). With this latest accolade, he surpasses Maya Angelou’s record for most wins in the audiobook category.
Carter’s dedication to teaching Sunday school for over 50 years at Maranatha Baptist Church reflects his deep commitment to faith and community. His ability to connect spiritual teachings with everyday life has left a lasting impact on many.
Competing against legends
In this year’s Grammy competition, Carter faced off against notable nominees including Barbra Streisand, Dolly Parton, and George Clinton. Had he won before his death, he would have set a record as the oldest Grammy winner in history, surpassing Pinetop Perkins, who won at age 97 in 2011.
As tributes continue to pour in honoring Carter’s life and contributions to both politics and culture, this Grammy serves as a poignant reminder of his enduring influence. The ceremony not only celebrated musical achievements but also highlighted the legacy of a beloved former president whose words continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
