( NewsNation) — Former President Carter, who died Sunday at age 100, left behind a unique legacy of openness about UFO sightings, including his own encounter in 1969, and a message to potential alien civilizations that continue to travel through space.

Former President Jimmy Carter died on Sunday. Here are 5 fun-facts and funny stories from his long and interesting life and career.

Jimmy Carter died on Sunday (December 29) at his home in Plains, Georgia, aged 100, leaving behind a legacy that includes an infamous run-in with a 'UFO' in 1969

Around seven years before he was elected US president, Jimmy Carter was preparing to give a speech to a Lions Club in Georgia when he saw a light in the sky. The light got closer and closer to him and the rest of the group before coming to a stop hovering above some pine trees.