Former President Obama shared a birthday message to one of his “heroes,” civil rights icon and longtime Democratic Rep. John Lewis (Ga.).

“Happy birthday to one of my heroes — someone who believed our right to vote was more important than his own life. Thanks for making good trouble for 80 years, @repjohnlewis,” Obama wrote, sharing a photo of the two men hugging. 

Happy birthday to one of my heroes — someone who believed our right to vote was more important than his own life. Thanks for making good trouble for 80 years, @repjohnlewis. pic.twitter.com/LqMuvmpbLp

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) February 21, 2020

Lewis, who has served in Congress since 1987, turned 80 on Friday. He rose to national prominence during the civil rights movement for his work as a freedom fighter and for famously marching alongside Martin Luther King Jr. in the March on Washington in 1963.

He will be honored on Saturday with the prestigious NAACP Chairman’s Award for his “exemplary public service.” 

Lewis revealed late last year that he has been diagnosed with developed stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

Obama was one of the lawmakers on both sides of the aisle who offered an outpouring of support for Lewis following the announcement.

“If there’s one thing I love about @RepJohnLewis, it’s his incomparable will to fight. I know he’s got a lot more of that left in him. Praying for you, my friend,” Obama tweeted.

If there’s one thing I love about @RepJohnLewis, it’s his incomparable will to fight. I know he’s got a lot more of that left in him. Praying for you, my friend.

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 30, 2019

Obama awarded Lewis with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010.