WASHINGTON, DC, United States (CMC) — Vice-President Kamala Harris has described the life of former United States President Jimmy Carter as “a testament to the power of service”.

Carter, the 39th US president, who was the longest-living president in US history, died at his home in Plains, Georgia on Sunday at the age of 100 years. He had been in hospice care for 22 months.

“President Jimmy Carter was guided by a deep and abiding faith — in God, in America, and in humanity,” said Harris, the daughter of retired Jamaican-born economist Dr Donald Harris, in a White House statement.

“Jimmy Carter’s life is a testament to the power of service — as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, the 76th Governor of Georgia, and the 39th President of the United States.

“He reminded our nation and the world that there is strength in decency and compassion. As president, he protected our air and water, promoted transparency in government, and brokered an historic peace treaty between Egypt and Israel at Camp David.”

Throughout his life, Harris, who was defeated by Republican Donald J Trump in November’s Presidential Elections, said Carter was “strengthened by the love and support of his partner of 77 years, First Lady Rosalynn Carter, whose life President Biden and I had the opportunity to celebrate in Georgia last year.”

After leaving office, Harris said Carter continued his fight for peace, democracy, and human dignity through the Carter Center.

“I had the privilege of knowing President Carter for years. I will always remember his kindness, wisdom, and profound grace. His life and legacy continue to inspire me — and will inspire generations to come. Our world is a better place because of President Carter.”

US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden said in a joint statement that “America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian.

“Over six decades, we had the honour of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well,” they said.

“With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us. He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe.

“He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism,” the Bidens said, adding “we will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together. The love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism.

“We will miss them both dearly, but take solace knowing they are reunited once again and will remain forever in our hearts,” they said.

In honouring “a great American”, Biden said he has ordered an official state funeral to be held in Washington, DC for Carter, the 76th Governor of Georgia, Lieutenant of the United States Navy, graduate of the United States Naval Academy, and favourite son of Plains, Georgia, who gave his full life in service to God and country”.

The state funeral for Carter will be held at the Washington National Cathedral on January 9.

Meanwhile, in a statement, the US Embassy in Haiti said former president Carter dedicated his life to peace, democracy, and human rights and was known for his compassion and integrity, brokering historic peace deals, championed global health, and fought for justice.

“During his White House tenure from 1977 to 1981, President Carter pressured autocrats like Jean-Claude ‘Baby Doc’ Duvalier to relinquish power and free political prisoners. His efforts led to the release of several unjustly detained political prisoners, including Professor Jean-Claude Exulien.

”President Carter worked on behalf of the Haitian people long after the end of his presidency. In 1990, he travelled to Haiti at the invitation of Provisional President Ertha Pascal-Trouillot to witness Haiti’s first free and fair election. Despite delays and difficulties, enthusiastic Haitians turned out in record numbers to mark the end of the Duvalier dictatorship and exercise their right to vote.”

The embassy said that later in life, President Carter helped build homes with Habitat for Humanity in Léogâne, Haiti, in support of survivors of the 2010 earthquake.

His life was a testament to this belief, inspiring us all to serve and uplift one another,” the embassy added.