Jean Anne Carpenter was born on December 20, 1933, in Washington, D.C., to a working-class family; her father was a plumber and her mother a hairdresser.

[7][8] She was also active in her own right, leading petition drives for mental health and school bonds in Rolla.

[12] She raised about $1.5 million in funds to restore the mansion, including a new fireplace, cleaning up the basement for more space, and adding a fountain with a sculpture of three children.

Newly inaugurated Governor Roger Wilson announced that he would appoint Jean Carnahan if her husband were to posthumously win the election, making her effectively the Democratic candidate by proxy.

But as she saw an outpouring of support from Missouri voters, and wanting to continue her husband's work, Carnahan announced her intent to accept Wilson's appointment.

[19] Jean Carnahan was appointed to the Senate in 2001, but under Missouri law, she would serve only until a special election could be held in 2002.

The defeated Ashcroft was subsequently nominated by President George W. Bush to be the United States Attorney General.

[25] She also sponsored legislation to provide economic benefits and health care for laid off airline workers post-9/11.

The title of her 2004 book is a phrase used during the 2000 campaign to elect her husband to the Senate after his death, Don't Let the Fire Go Out.