As befitting a long lifetime of public service, former President Jimmy Carter’s passing was met with swift statements of respect and remembrance on Sunday, and Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey ordered flags to half staff for the next 30 days.

Carter, who served one term as the 39th U.S. president, from 1977 until 1981, died at his home in Plains, Georgia, after spending more than a year in hospice care. At 100 years old, he was the longest-lived U.S. president.

President Joe Biden, whom Carter had apparently asked to perform his eulogy, said in a statement that his “dear friend” of six decades was “an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian.”

“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,” Biden said.

President-elect Donald Trump issued an  empathetic statement, alluding to the extraordinarily difficult job which both men have held and that very few others have had the opportunity to attempt.

“Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History. The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude,” Trump said via Truth Social.

Healey praised Carter’s “life dedicated to peace, human rights, democracy and moral clarity.” She ordered U.S. and state flags to be flown at half staff across the commonwealth through January 28.

“He set an enduring example of what it means to serve others, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. I’m sending love and strength to the Carter family as they, and our nation, process this profound loss. May we all honor his memory by building a more just, peaceful and caring world,” Healey said in a statement.

Vice President Kamala Harris said that the former peanut farmer’s service in the U.S. Navy, as governor of Georgia, and as U.S. President, are “a testament to the power of service” and a reminder to everyone that “there is strength in decency and compassion.”

“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,” Harris said in a statement.

U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark, the U.S. House Minority Whip, said that Carter was both “statesman and humanitarian” who spent his time in office fighting for the working class and the environment.

“Always a peacemaker, he was a force for democracy in all corners of the world,” Clark said in a statement.

U.S. Sen. Ed Markey said via social media that Carter “led with compassion, integrity, (and) an heroic determination to lift humanity’s spirit.”

“We will forever be indebted to him for building a more peaceful world. Thank you, Mr. President, for being conscience, caretaker, and commander for the U.S. and our world,” he said.

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said his fellow Georgian “dedicated his life to serving our great nation and the people of Georgia.”

“As a true servant-leader, he devoted his post-presidency to spreading the very best of American ideals across the globe. His commitment to peace, democracy, and human rights has left an indelible mark on the world,” the Republican said.

Carter was preceded in death by his wife Rosalynn Carter, who passed away in November 2023 at the age of 96.

Former President Jimmy Carter, right, and former first lady Rosalynn Carter help build a Habitat for Humanity house in Violet, La., May 21, 2007. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)
President Jimmy Carter speaks about energy before a joint session of the Congress in Washington, April 21, 1977 with House speaker Thomas “Tip” O’Neill at right, and Vice President Walter Mondale at left. (AP Photo, File)

Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, left, U.S. President Jimmy Carter, center, and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin clasp hands on the north lawn of the White House after signing the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, March 26, 1979, in Washington. (AP Photo/ Bob Daugherty, File)