US President Barack Obama has honoured past president Bill Clinton with the highest US civilian award at the White House.
The star-studded ceremony also saw the Medal of Freedom awarded to celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and pioneers in civil rights, the arts, science and sport.
Obama pointed to Clinton's work as president to bolster the economy and shrink government deficits and his post-presidential aid efforts after the 2004 Asian tsunami, Hurricane Katrina on the US Gulf Coast in 2005 and the 2010 Haitian earthquake.
"And of course I am most grateful for his patience during the endless travels of my secretary of state," Obama joked, referring to the many trips Clinton's wife, Hillary, made while working in the first Obama administration.
"I'm grateful, Bill, as well, for the advice and counsel that you've offered me, on and off the golf course, and, most importantly, for your life-saving work around the world, which represents what's the very best in America."
Obama draped the medal on a blue ribbon around the necks of 16 recipients, or the family members of those awarded the Medal of Freedom posthumously.
In the 50 years since the award was established by president John F Kennedy, presidents have given the award to more than 500 people.
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