AP Photo Former President Jimmy Carter, right, and former first lady Rosalynn Carter raise a wall as they help build a Habitat for Humanity house in Violet, La., May 21, 2007. The pair were working on the 1,000th Habitat for Humanity house in the Gulf Coast region since hurricane Katrina and Rita.

The United States lost a beloved figure in the political world and beyond over the weekend as Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, died at the age of 100.

“President Jimmy Carter embodied decency and integrity throughout his life of public service,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a social media post. “I’ll never forget as a teenager meeting him in Buffalo. He was an inspiration to me and so many Americans. Our hearts are with the Carter family during this difficult time.”

Carter, the longest-lived American President, died at his home in Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, spent most of their lives.

President Joe Biden highlighted Carter’s work to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil and human rights, promote free and fair elections and house the homeless as an example for others.

Biden said, “To all of the young people in this nation and for anyone in search of what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning – the good life – study Jimmy Carter, a man of principle, faith, and humility.”

A state funeral for Carter will be held in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 9, a date Biden declared as a National Day of Mourning across the nation. He ordered U.S. flags to fly at half-staff for 30 days, starting Sunday.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro also ordered United States and Commonwealth flags on all Commonwealth facilities, public buildings, and grounds across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to fly at half-staff immediately in honor of former President Carter.

“President Jimmy Carter was a humble, generous, and admirable public servant — both as our President and in his years after as a citizen in service,” Shapiro said in a statement on social media. He added that he and his wife, Lori, are praying for the Carter family.

Carter was a deeply religious man who was known for his work ethic. Carter once said, “My faith demands — this is not optional — my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have to try to make a difference.”

Carter held office for one term, spanning from Jan. 20, 1977 to Jan. 20, 1981. He defeated the incumbent Gerald Ford, and was later defeated by Republican challenger Ronald Reagan.

Carter’s term as President was highlighted by a peace deal he brokered in the Middle East between Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin in 1978. As President, Carter also established the United States Department of Energy and the Department of Education.

Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association (DLGA) Chair and Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis defined Carter as a “great man, whose life was marked by an unwavering commitment to service, humanity and peace.”

Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his efforts to promote human rights and resolve conflicts around the world.

The Pennsylvania House of Democratic Leadership highlighted Carter’s humanitarian work after his presidency. A statement on their behalf said, “After his presidency, (Carter) became a world leader once again in the arena of human rights and democracy, for which he was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize, and for decades, he was the face — and the man swinging the hammer — for Habitat for Humanity.”

The Chautauqua County Democratic Committee called Carter “the most morally upright President we’ve had” in a social media post after his death on Sunday.

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York said in a statement, “President Jimmy Carter was a devoted public servant, a lifelong activist, and a prolific humanitarian. I am devastated to hear of his passing, but I know that his legacy will live on through the work of the Carter Center and the thousands of people he influenced throughout his life.”