Wilson Roosevelt Jerman, former White House butler, who had served as many as 11 US Presidents, has died of COVID-19.

His death was confirmed by his granddaughter, Shanta Taylor Gay. She said in an interview, "He was authentic. He was a quiet but stern man. Very giving, never fussed or complained. Always said he lived a blessed life."

Mr. Jerman's family members say he stood out not just to the Kennedys, who were in the White House during 1961-63, and the Obamas, who lived there from 2009 to 2017, but others he met in his roles.

Paying tribute after his death, Mrs. Obama said her family was "lucky to have known him".

He left the White House in 2012 as maître d' under then-President Barack Obama.

Former first lady Hillary Clinton tweeted that she and former president Bill Clinton were saddened by his death.

He died because of coronavirus last weekend.