Dinner is Served

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at a State Dinner

Amy Carter looking at ballerina standing next to Jimmy Carter (© Charles Tasnadi/AP)

Amy Carter, the daughter of President Jimmy Carter, talks with a ballerina from the New York City Ballet after the company danced at a Rose Garden dinner May 30, 1978. (© Charles Tasnadi/AP)

Amy Carter, the daughter of President Jimmy Carter, talks with a ballerina from the New York City Ballet after the company danced at a Rose Garden dinner May 30, 1978. (© Charles Tasnadi/AP)

Amy Carter, first daughter

Jóse López Portillo holds Amy Carter’s hand while President Jimmy Carter leans over to speak to her and others look on (Ricardo Thomas)

President Jimmy Carter introduces his daughter Amy Carter to Mexican President Jóse López Portillo before a state dinner. (White House/Ricardo Thomas/White House Historical Association)

President Jimmy Carter introduces his daughter Amy Carter to Mexican President Jóse López Portillo before a state dinner. (White House/Ricardo Thomas/White House Historical Association)

Cheerful choice! After meeting President Carter’s youngest, Mexico’s president José López Portillo described Amy to the Washington Post as a “lovely and intelligent child.” During the meal, 9-year-old Amy read The Mystery of the Screaming Clock, part of a detective series for young readers by Robert Arthur Jr.  Be prepared to talk about a good mystery over dessert.

This site is managed by the Bureau of Global Public Affairs within the U.S. Department of State. External links to other internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.