> At a Glance
> – Ryan Ramos, 5, sleeps on custom Jimmy Carter pajamas, blanket and pillow every night
> – Discovered the 39th president at age 3 through a presidents chart; was hooked by Carter’s kindness and Habitat work
> – Carter family sent gifts including a 100th-birthday goodie bag; Ryan already owns four T-shirts, bobble head and life-size cut-out
> – Why it matters: A preschooler’s heartfelt devotion shows how Carter’s legacy of compassion still inspires the youngest generation
A kindergartner from Texas has become the unexpected standard-bearer for Jimmy Carter’s legacy-complete with custom pajamas, a bedroom shrine and a mission to “be like Jimmy every day.” His story, shared by mom Lauren Ramos with News Of Los Angeles, turned a simple bedtime ritual into a viral tribute.
A Preschool Discovery
Ryan first spotted Carter on a talking presidents chart when he was three. What caught his eye wasn’t policy-it was longevity.
> “He was super impressed by how old Jimmy Carter was,” Ramos says.
Then came the hook: Carter built houses for Habitat for Humanity and helped “so many people.” Ryan’s fascination was instant and unshakable.
The Collection Grows
The gear keeps multiplying:
- Two pairs of “Jimmy jammies” so one can always be in the wash
- A Carter blanket and pillow for nightly use
- Four T-shirts, a bobble head and a cardboard cut-out
- Coins and books mailed by strangers
The Carter family joined in, shipping a birthday-party goodie bag and other keepsakes.
Coping With Loss
When Carter died Dec. 29, 2024, Ryan cried “a lot of tears.” The family reframed the moment: 100 years is a “good, full life,” and Ryan can honor him through kindness.
They now ask, “What would Jimmy Carter do?” before choices. The answer, Ryan says: include everyone, befriend all and build houses-he’s already helped erect a playhouse with Habitat and plans to volunteer when he’s old enough.
Key Takeaways
- A 5-year-old turned a history lesson into a life motto
- Carter’s kindness and Habitat work sparked the obsession
- Viral TikTok of “Jimmy jammies” rallied supporters nationwide
- Family uses Carter’s example to teach empathy and service
Ryan drifts off each night “only sleeping on Jimmy Carter,” determined to keep the 39th president’s spirit alive one small good deed at a time.
