Former President Jimmy Carter won a posthumous Grammy for his audiobook narration of “Last Sundays in Plains: A Centennial Celebration.” The award was presented at the 2025 Grammy Awards, just five weeks after Carter passed away at the age of 100. The album features recordings from Carter’s final Sunday school lessons at Maranatha Baptist Church in Georgia. It also includes musical contributions from artists like Darius Rucker, Lee Ann Rimes, and Jon Batiste.
This marks Carter’s fourth Grammy win, setting a new record for the Best Audiobook, Narration, and Storytelling Recording category. He surpassed his previous tie with Maya Angelou. Carter’s grandson, Jason Carter, accepted the award on his behalf.
Kabir Sehgal, who handled the album’s instrumental arrangements, also joined him on stage.
Carter’s final legacy honored
In his acceptance speech, Jason Carter said, “Having his words captured in this way for my family and for the world is truly remarkable.
Thank you to the academy.”
The former president beat out other notable nominees in the category, including Barbra Streisand, George Clinton, Dolly Parton, and producer Guy Oldfield. Carter, who served as the 39th U.S. president from 1977 to 1981, dedicated much of his post-presidency to public service through his work with The Carter Center. He died on December 29, 2024, survived by his children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
His wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Smith Carter, had passed away in November 2023. Jason Carter expressed, “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.”