With the election heat in full swing, evangelist Billy Graham decided to have a quiet time with his family as he celebrated his 98th birthday on Monday.
His son Franklin earlier told Religion News Service that his father is "doing well," and that they had a special treat in store for him. "He likes these cheap birthday cakes that have that lard icing on them," Franklin said. "I'm going to go get him one of those cheap birthday cakes from the local grocery store, and we'll celebrate his birthday."
However, Franklin gave a different account to the Charlotte Observer. The evangelist admitted his father is "not great" given the fact that he's 98 years old. "He's real quiet. Doesn't say much," he said. "Can't see. His mind is clear. But he speaks in sentences of one word."
Billy usually has a big bash to celebrate his birthday, but Franklin said they decided against it this year. "It's a party every Sunday when I go see him because he's made it through another week," Franklin shared. "At 98, you count the days and weeks. I don't think we'll have any more big parties. Those days are over with."
As for the presidential elections, Franklin said his father still "knows who's running and that kind of stuff," but they haven't talked about his opinions in full given his health condition. "He's 98," reiterated Franklin.
Three years ago, Billy celebrated his 95th birthday at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina with over 800 people – including celebrities, politicians, and evangelical leaders. Republican nominee Donald Trump and his wife Melania were even present, but Franklin said people should not expect the same thing this year.
"Daddy's not in a position to have those kinds of visits anymore," Franklin said.
People who wished to greet the evangelist were able to do so by going to Charlotte's Billy Graham Library in 4330 Westmont Drive. There, a birthday banner was made available for people to sign, and they even handed out slices of birthday cake while supplies lasted.
