“We know this is the first birthday without Rosalynn. It’s bittersweet, but we also know she’s always with you,” President Joe Biden says in a birthday message to his longtime friend. “She’s in your heart; she’ll never go away. She may be gone, but she’s always going to be with you. She’s always there, and I know you know that.”

The former first lady, also from Plains, died November 19 at age 96. Carter – who uses a wheelchair for mobility – is rarely seen but did appear at his late wife’s memorial service.