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Former President Jimmy Carter turns 97

The nation’s oldest former president, Jimmy Carter, marks his 97th birthday on Friday.

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An aide told The Associated Press that Carter will spend the day quietly at his home in southwest Georgia. No public appearances have been planned.

Online, The Carter Center collected birthday wishes for the former president and dozens of people shared well-wishes. Many did not mention Carter’s Democratic presidency, which ran from 1977 to 1981. Instead, most focused on his post-presidential life, when Carter began teaching Sunday school and -- through The Carter Center -- worked on addressing issues related to human rights and democracy.

“You are a true hero, speaking truth to power, and standing up for human rights everywhere,” one birthday greeting read. “You and your dear wife Rosalyn are the conscience of the nation, demonstrating wholeheartedly serving humanity through your examples.”

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter founded The Carter Center in 1982. The couple celebrated 75 years of marriage in July.

>> Related: ‘Full partnership’: Jimmy, Rosalynn Carter prepare to celebrate 75th wedding anniversary

At their home in Plains, Georgia, the Carters met with President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden in April.

“We sat and talked about the old days,” Joe Biden said after the meeting. “We just had a nice time.”

>> Related: Presidential sit-down: Carter, Biden visit photo released

In 2015, Jimmy Carter disclosed that doctors had discovered four melanoma lesions on his brain. By March 2016, his doctors had determined he no longer needed treatment.

The former president has also had a string of falls, including one in October 2019 that left him with a broken pelvis, according to the AP. Recently, he has used a walker when appearing in public, the AP reported.