President Joseph Biden has ordered flags lowered in memory of James Earl Carter Jr, the 39th President of the United States, who died on December 29.

The peanut farmer who won the presidency in the wake of the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, endured humbling defeat after one tumultuous term and then redefined life after the White House as a global humanitarian, was 100 years old.

Flags are to be lowered, and remain lowered for 30 days from the date of Carter's death, the tradition for a current or former President.

The longest-lived American President, Carter died on Sunday, roughly 22 months after entering hospice care, at his home in the small town of Plains, Ga., where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died at 96 in November 2023, spent most of their lives, The Carter Center said.

In a proclamation issued Sunday, Biden called the late President “a man of character, courage, and compassion, whose lifetime of service defined him as one of the most influential statesmen in our history. He embodied the very best of America: A humble servant of God and the people. A heroic champion of global peace and human rights, and an honorable leader whose moral clarity and hopeful vision lifted our Nation and changed our world.”

The proclamation also noted in part that as President, Carter “understood that Government must be as good as its people — and his faith in the people was boundless just as his belief in America was limitless and his hope for our common future was perennial. … Following his Presidency, President Carter advanced an agenda that elevated the least among us. Guided by an unwavering belief in the power of human goodness and the God‑given dignity of every human being, he worked tirelessly around the globe to broker peace; eradicate disease; house the homeless; and protect human rights, freedom, and democracy.

“Through his extraordinary moral leadership, President Carter lived a noble life full of meaning and purpose. And as a trusted spiritual leader, he shepherded people through seasons of pain and joy, inspiring them through the power of his example and healing them through the power of his guidance.

“As we mourn the loss of President Carter, we hold the memory of his beloved Rosalynn, his wife of over 77 years, close in our hearts. Exemplifying hope, warmth, and service, she and her husband inspired the Nation. The love Rosalynn and President Carter shared is the definition of partnership, and their devotion to public service is the definition of patriotism.

“May President Carter’s memory continue to be a light pointing us forward. May we continue to be guided by his spirit in our Nation and in our world.”

Within the proclamation Biden also appointed January 9 as a National Day of Morning.

“I call on the American people to assemble on that day in their respective places of worship, there to pay homage to the memory of President James Earl Carter, Jr. I invite the people of the world who share our grief to join us in this solemn observance,” Biden wrote.

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and Lt Governor Susan Bysiewicz each issued statements on Sunday in response to the former President’s death.

Lamont said in part that President Carter “will be remembered in history as one of our nation’s most humble presidents, whose honorable service to the United States began when he enlisted in the Navy and was stationed for several years in Connecticut at Naval Submarine Base New London.

“Upon being elected to office as governor of Georgia and continuing throughout his presidency, he championed many of the biggest and most notable causes of the era, including desegregation, human rights, early childhood development programs, prison reform, and more.

“He has one of the most noteworthy and prominent post-presidency careers of any US President,” the governor continued, “volunteering his time on the international stage to provide diplomatic and peacekeeping efforts in places such as Israel, Palestine, North Korea, South Africa, and Syria, and maintaining an active level of involvement as an advocate for Habitat for Humanity to promote for the availability of housing for all.

“President Carter’s style of leadership set an example that ought to be emulated by public officials nationwide, most notably his self-effacing and kind disposition. He carried himself with grace and integrity, treated others with dignity and respect regardless of whether they were a political ally or foe, and above all worked to implement policies that make our country a more equitable place for all to live and thrive.”

Bysiewicz said Carter “represented the best of us. A man of generosity, patience – and above all, kindness. … Throughout his presidency, and even after he left office, President Carter was known for committing his time and talents to the service of others. He made democracy and human rights a central focus – consistently focused on peacekeeping and diplomacy efforts.

“As a former secretary of the state, I always appreciated his work to promote free and fair elections in our country and around the world. Led by his faith to help the less fortunate, President Carter dedicated countless hours to building homes with Habitat for Humanity,” she added. “Jimmy Carter was a man from humble beginnings who went on to change the world. He will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his country, his steadfast belief in democracy, and ultimately his kindness and sacrifice.”