White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders paid tribute to the late Jerry Lewis on Sunday, saying the comedian kept Americans laughing for more than 50 years.

"Jerry Lewis kept us all laughing for over half a century, and his incredible charity work touched the lives of millions," Sanders said in a statement.

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"Jerry lived the American Dream — he truly loved his country, and his country loved him back. Our thoughts are with his family today as we remember the extraordinary life of one of our greatest entertainers and humanitarians," she continued.

The White House statement came hours after it was announced on Sunday that Lewis, who was known for his slapstick humor, died of natural causes at the age of 91 in his Las Vegas home.

Lewis was also known for his humanitarian work and served as the chairman of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.