During the early morning hours of December 1, the Bush family confirmed that former President George H.W. Bush had passed away.
The former president’s passing occurred just seven months after his wife, former first lady Barbara Bush, passed away in April after suffering from multiple illnesses.
Texas mourns the loss of one of our greatest Presidents. George H.W. Bush was an American hero and icon, he was a friend to all he met, he embodied class and dignity. On behalf of the Lone Star State, Cecilia and I offer our thoughts and prayers to the entire Bush family. pic.twitter.com/C9VzROHvFz
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) December 1, 2018
He was 94 years old.
According to NBC News, his son, former President George W. Bush, said in a statement:
Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Doro and I are saddened to announced that after 94 remarkable years, our dear Dad has died.
George H.W. Bush was a man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for. The entire Bush family is deeply grateful for 41’s life and love, for the compassion of those who have cared and prayed for Dad, and for the condolences of our friends and fellow citizens.
His grandson, who also carries his namesake, George P. Bush, wrote in memory of his grandfather:
He was more than a great man; he was a good man. His courage was matched by his compassion; and his dedication to country was equaled only by his devotion to his family.
His granddaughter and NBC’s “Today” show correspondent, Jenna Bush Hager, took to Instagram to personally comment on her grandfather’s passing:
She wrote:
Waking up missing this giant of a man who gave me everything. He taught me and my family about service, family, decency, the power of gentle words and a beautiful heart. I will miss him desperately but so happy he and my Grandmother are back together.
As the Associated Press reports, George and Barbara were married for 73 years before her passing. The pair met at a Christmas dance when they were just teens.
Bush was America’s 41st president.
George H.W. Bush was born June 12, 1924, in Milton, Massachusetts, the second oldest of five children. https://t.co/qVSRfBKBj3 pic.twitter.com/hCZKdKQtLg
— ABC News (@ABC) December 1, 2018
Prior to his passing, H.W. also dealt with multiple illnesses in recent years.
President Donald J. Trump released a statement following Bush’s passing, saying that the former president “inspired generations of his fellow Americans to public service.”
Trump added:
His example lives on, and will continue to stir future Americans to pursue a greater cause.
George and Barbara shared six children together and multiple grandchildren.
One of his grandchildren, Barbara Pierce Bush, Jenna’s twin sister, recently got married, speeding along her ceremony so that her grandfather could be a part of it.
May George H.W. Bush rest in peace.