PLAINS, Ga. — What is the best birthday present you can give to a former president and beloved Georgian? A simple message is all Jimmy Carter needs.

The Carter Center is asking for birthday wishes for Jimmy Carter ahead of his 98th birthday on Oct. 1. It’s a tradition that the center has done for his birthday the past few years.

People across Georgia, the country, and the world can leave their birthday messages on a virtual card here.

Hundreds of messages have already been signed along with people’s photos and stories of their experiences with Carter.

At 97 now, Carter is already the oldest living president, past or present. This year was also an important milestone for Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter as they celebrated their 76th wedding anniversary on July 7, extending what is already the longest marriage of any presidential couple.

Although he had a lengthy career in politics, Carter has worked as a diplomat and humanitarian. Part of that work led Carter to be honored with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

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