“Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Doro and I are saddened to announce that after 94 remarkable years, our dear Dad has died,” the statement reads. “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,”
George H.W. Bush served two terms as vice president under President Ronald Reagan before becoming president in 1989, after already having a bed in the political limelight as director of the CIA and U.S. ambassador to China and the U.N. in the 1970s.
“There is no higher honor than to serve free men and women, no greater privilege than to labor in government beneath the Great Seal of the United States and the American flag,” he told senior staffers in 1989, days after he took office.
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump released a statement wishing condolences and honoring the fallen Republican icon. “Through his essential authenticity, disarming wit, and unwavering commitment to faith, family, and country, President Bush inspired generations of his fellow Americans to public service—to be, in his words, ‘a thousand points of light’ illuminating the greatness, hope, and opportunity of America to the world,” they said in a statement.
President Trump reiterated praise for Bush’s legacy on Saturday, tweeting, “He was a truly wonderful man.”
“President George H.W. Bush led a long, successful and beautiful life. Whenever I was with him I saw his absolute joy for life and true pride in his family. His accomplishments were great from beginning to end. He was a truly wonderful man and will be missed by all!”
Bush’s death follows only about eight months after the death of his wife, Barbara Bush.
