PLAINS, Ga. — Nobody celebrates Jimmy Carter more than his hometown, and perhaps nobody was more excited for the president's birthday than folks in Plains, Georgia.
For Carter's 100th birthday on Tuesday, the town had a concert at his old high school to celebrate with artists like Brent Cobb, Cindy Morgan and David Osborne.
The concert was sold-out by many people who called Carter more than just a president.
"I met him roughly about fifty-years ago, when he was actually Governor of Georgia,
Dale Richter said. "And then we've just been kind of on and off friends, associates, ever since."
Richter is the president's beekeeper, who takes care of the bees over at the Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm. For a birthday gift, he even brought him a special jar of honey.
"He likes comb honey. Honey with comb in it," Richter said.
One of the things Richter said he's always admired about Jimmy Carter is that he was a president for all Americans.
"Very compassionate man. He is a very much human rights person. Great conservationist. And just a great man in general," Richter said.
And those qualities are the same reason that Brent Cobb also admires Carter, and why he said he's proud to perform at his concert.
"Such a honor to be a part of it," Cobb said.
Cobb was born in Americus, one town over from Plains. He wishes Carter all the best as he marks one century of life.
"I wish you happiness and what, whatever it is that you would wish for. I hope that's what you get. I can't imagine making it a 100 years man. And just have the legacy that you have, have left, and are leaving still," Cobb said.
Both Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter graduated from Plains High School. Jimmy played basketball there, and was in the Future Farmers of America. Rosalynn graduated a few years after Jimmy, as class valedictorian.