'We owe him a debt of gratitude': Presidents remember Jimmy Carter after death at 100

Former President Jimmy Carter died Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia. He was 100.

Sitting, future and former presidents have weighed in on the extraordinary life of the former president who served in office from 1977-1981.

Following his single term in the White House, Carter established the Carter Center, became involved in observing elections in developing countries, volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and taught Sunday day school at his local church in Georgia.

He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, 22 years after leaving office, "for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights and to promote economic and social development."

Here's what the presidents have had to say following Carter's death.

Former presidents react to Jimmy Carter's death

George W. Bush

In a statement, Bush and his wife, Laura Bush, sent their condolences and prayers to the Carter family.

“James Earl Carter, Jr., was a man of deeply held convictions. He was loyal to his family, his community, and his country. President Carter dignified the office. And his efforts to leave behind a better world didn’t end with the presidency. His work with Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations.

Joe Biden

In a joint statement, President Joe Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, called Carter an "extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian" and a "dear friend." Biden also ordered an official state funeral in Washington, D.C. for Carter.

"And 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. He showed that we are a great nation because we are a good people – decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong."

Donald Trump

In a statement posted to Truth Social, former and President-elect Donald Trump said Carter was part of an "exclusive club" of members who understood the responsibility of the presidency and leading the nation.

"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. Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers."

Barack Obama

Former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, released a joint statement on Carter's death, noting his accomplishments in and out of office and his devotion to Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, where Carter taught Sunday school.

"Whenever I had a chance to spend time with President Carter, it was clear that he didn’t just profess these values. He embodied them. And in doing so, he taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service. In his Nobel acceptance speech, President Carter said, “God gives us the capacity for choice. We can choose to alleviate suffering. We can choose to work together for peace.” He made that choice again and again over the course of his 100 years, and the world is better for it.

Maranatha Baptist Church will be a little quieter on Sundays, but President Carter will never be far away – buried alongside Rosalynn next to a willow tree down the road, his memory calling all of us to heed our better angels. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from this remarkable man."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'An extraordinary leader': Presidents remember Jimmy Carter's life