Bill and Hillary Clinton said in a statement that Mr Bush had "never stopped serving".

"I saw it up close, working with him on tsunami relief in Asia and here at home after Hurricane Katrina. His remarkable leadership and great heart were always on full display.”

Greg Abbott, the Texas Governor, said the state joined the nation in mourning "the passing of one of our greatest Presidents."

In a brief statement, the Republican said "George H.W. Bush was an American hero and icon. He was a friend to all he met. He embodied class and dignity." Abbott added that "Texans are genuinely honored that he called the Lone Star State home and we collectively grieve this monumental loss."

How the world reacted

Prime Minister Theresa May said: “President George H. W. Bush’s ethos of public service was the guiding thread of his life and an example to us all.

“It took him from service in World War II, to his stewardship of the CIA and his direction of the Gulf War as Commander-in-Chief. And in navigating a peaceful end to the Cold War he made the world a safer place for generations to come.

“Today Britain remembers a great statesman and a true friend of our country. We send our deepest condolences to the American people and to the family he leaves behind.”

Sir John Major paid tribute to the former president, saying: "George HW Bush was above all else a family man and, for him, the American people were part of that family.

"In public office he served as he lived, with compassion, courage, dignity and grace. As president, he saw America's obligation to the world and honoured it - and he remained committed to public service until the day he died.

"I feel privileged to have worked with him, and even more privileged that he became a lifelong friend. He was, quite simply, one of the most deep down decent people I have ever known."

Former prime minister Tony Blair said: "President Bush was an extraordinary and exemplary public servant, a man dedicated to his country, the values it stands for at its best and to making the world better, more stable and more peaceful."

Jeremy Hunt, Foreign Secretary, tweeted: "Deeply sorry to hear of death of President George HW span class"red" Bush. A true friend of the UK and a deeply wise man whose leadership made the world more safe and more free. Sincerest condolences to the span class"red"Bush family and the American people from your friends in Britain."

Iran has noted the death of President George H.W. Bush. A scrolling news bar on state television described Bush as being "like other US presidents who wished to see the collapse of the Islamic Republic."

Iran remained suspicious of Bush despite his pledge of "good will begets good will." Iran leaned on Lebanon's Shia militants to help win the release American hostages like Terry Anderson, but relations went no further.

Mikhail Gorbachev, former Soviet premier who worked closely with Bush to bring an end to the Cold War in the late 1980s and 1990s, lauded the former president for his abilities as a politician and his personal character.

Mr Gorbachev said that he and his wife, Raisa, "deeply appreciated the attention, kindness and simplicity typical of George and Barbara Bush, as well as the rest of their large, friendly family."