Former President Jimmy Carter Turns 97

GEORGIA — Happy Birthday, President Jimmy Carter!

The nation’s oldest living president turns 97 on Oct. 1.

Those who know and love Carter will spend the day celebrating a tireless servant of human rights, peace and democracy, Meredith Evans, director of the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, said.

“I am confident this day will bring the President much joy and happiness,” Evans said. “What an amazing person. It’s an honor to steward his records, showcase his life, and provide the world with the hope and inspiration that he engenders.”

The 39th president was born James Earl Carter, Jr., in the tiny town of Plains, GA, population 776. He lives there today with his childhood sweetheart and wife of 75 years, Rosalyn.

Carter graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1946 and married Rosalyn soon after.

The businessman and peanut farmer took office as Georgia’s 76th governor in 1971 and went on to be elected president in 1974.

Since leaving office, Carter has turned his attention and ample energies to causes promoting global peace and wellbeing, working with Rosalyn and The Carter Center to help resolve international conflicts, promote human rights and democracy, and prevent disease in less fortunate nations.

In recent days, he has been involved in negotiations with Tunisia’s president Kais Saied to reinstate more democratic governmental controls and roll back a decree giving him near-absolute power, the Carter Center reports.

The Carter Center invites the public to send the former president birthday wishes by logging onto a special page dedicated to him.