Politicians and leaders across the U.S. mourned the death of former President George Herbert Walker Bush, late Friday night as the Bush family celebrated Bush senior’s life.
Bush’s eldest son, former President George W. Bush, issued a statement shortly after the announcement of his death.
“George H.W. Bush was a man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for,” he wrote. “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.”
Statement by the 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush, on the passing of his father this evening at the age 94. pic.twitter.com/oTiDq1cE7h
Bush’s grandsons highlighted the 41st president’s service to the military and the country, while Trump administration officials wrote heartfelt messages to the Bush family.
“Nothing gave my Gampy more joy than service to others, especially supporting and caring for those who risk making the ultimate sacrifice everyday,” Jeb Bush Jr. tweeted, along with a photo of his grandfather.
“His leadership taught us to be kinder and gentler, to love each other,” he continued. “We will miss him dearly.”
Nothing gave my Gampy more joy than service to others, especially supporting and caring for those who risk making the ultimate sacrifice everyday. His leadership taught us to be kinder and gentler, to love each other. We will miss him dearly. pic.twitter.com/i2iR5U3ikc
Republican political figures responded swiftly to the news, sending the Bush family condolences through Twitter.
Former Vice President Dan Quayle, who served alongside former President George H. W. Bush, called his old friend a “role model” and a “completely genuine, decent and honorable person.”
“As so many Americans did, I had true affection for the man George Bush,” he said in a statement.
“He went into and out of the office as absolutely the same man. I think that exemplifies his character,” Quayle continued. “I have often told my children, ’If you want a role model in your life ― look to President George Herbert Walker Bush.”
Fmr. VP Dan Quayle on Pres. George H.W. Bush:
"I have often told my children “If you want a role model in your life — look to President George Herbert Walker Bush. The world mourns the loss of a great American. But, it also celebrates a life well lived." https://t.co/bKH4r5mTvJpic.twitter.com/v9os4KgeJW
“What a life... full of love of family... strong faith,” former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin tweeted. “Nothing’s more important.”
President Donald Trump’s White House adviser Kellyanne Conway thanked Bush for his service.
“Heartfelt sympathy and deep condolences to the entire Bush family,” Conway wrote. “He devoted his life to his family and his country. Thank you, sir.”
Heartfelt sympathy and deep condolences to the entire Bush family on the passing of our 41st President, George H. W. Bush. He devoted his life to his family and his country. Thank you, sir. https://t.co/qHvXcsSlmw
Below, see how Bush’s family, friends and colleagues reacted to former President George H. W. Bush’s death.
My grandfather was the greatest man I ever knew. His life spanned the American Century—he fought in World War II ... took part in the Texas oil boom ... served out a distinguished career in public service including serving as president during the final days of the Cold War. pic.twitter.com/6i68EPVC3j
Statement by President Nixon's daughters Tricia Nixon Cox and Julie Nixon Eisenhower on the passing of President George H.W. Bush. pic.twitter.com/Rod7fPrGhW
President Bush has left us for one last flight but his destination isn't unknown. He's flying into the arms of the love of his life, Barbara. This evening, each of us should take a minute to look up and offer him a silent thanks. FULL STATEMENT: https://t.co/XbuFYztrmg
Naval Aviation mourns the passing of our 41st President, George H.W. Bush, a Naval Aviator, statesman, and humble public servant. His legacy lives on in those who don the cloth of our great nation and in the mighty warship which bears his name, @CVN77_GHWB. May he Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/0COuk6veDV
FILE - In this June 12, 2012 file photo, former President George H.W. Bush and his wife, Barbara, arrive for the premiere of HBO's new documentary about his life in Kennebunkport, Maine. On Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012, a spokesman for the former president says the 88-year-old is alert and talking to medical staff after being admitted to the intensive care unit at a Houston hospital. Bush has been hospitalized since Nov. 23, when he was admitted for a lingering cough related to bronchitis and "remains in guarded condition." (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)
George H.W. Bush, Barbara Bush
FILE - In a Tuesday, June 12, 2012 file photo, former President George H.W. Bush, and his wife, former first lady Barbara Bush, arrive for the premiere of HBO's new documentary on his life near the family compound in Kennebunkport, Maine. Bush spokesman Jim McGrath said Wednesday, Dec. 26. 2012 that doctors at the Houston hospital where Bush has been treated for a month remain cautiously optimistic that he will recover. Still, no discharge date has been set, and McGrath says that doctors are being cautious because at Bushs age sometimes issues crop up that are beyond anybodys ability to discern or foretell.(AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)
Methodist Hospital
Trees and shrubs line the street in front of Methodist Hospital in Houston's Medical Center Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012. Former President George H.W. Bush is at Methodist for treatment of a lingering cough. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan)
George HW Bush, Matt Schaub
Former President George H.W. Bush tosses the coin as Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) looks on before an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
George HW Bush, Corey McIntyre, James Baker
Former President George H.W. Bush is helped to the field for the coin toss as Buffalo Bills' Corey McIntyre (38) and former Secretary of State James Baker, left rear, look on before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in Houston. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
George HW Bush, James Baker, Bob McNair
Former President George H. W. Bush, right, former Secretary of State James Baker, left, and Houston Texans owner Bob McNair pose together before an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Buffalo Bills v Houston Texans
HOUSTON, TX- NOVEMBER 04: Former U.S. President George H. W. Bush (R) stands for the National Anthem before the Houston Texans played against the Buffalo Bills on November 4, 2012 at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. Texans won 21 to 9.(Photo by Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images)
Buffalo Bills v Houston Texans
HOUSTON, TX - NOVEMBER 04: Former President George H.W. Bush on hand on Salute To Service day before the Houston Texans play the Buffalo Bills at Reliant Stadium on November 4, 2012 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
Buffalo Bills v Houston Texans
HOUSTON, TX- NOVEMBER 04: Former U.S. President George H. W. Bush shakes hands with Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson #80 before the Houston Texans played against the Buffalo Bills on November 4, 2012 at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. Texans won 21 to 9.(Photo by Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images)
Buffalo Bills v Houston Texans
HOUSTON, TX - NOVEMBER 04: Former President George H.W. Bush on hand playfully gives a young man a fist to his face as his grandson Pierce Bush looks on at Salute To Service day before the Houston Texans play the Buffalo Bills at Reliant Stadium on November 4, 2012 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
Buffalo Bills v Houston Texans
HOUSTON, TX - NOVEMBER 04: Former President George H.W. Bush on hand on Salute To Service day before the Houston Texans play the Buffalo Bills at Reliant Stadium on November 4, 2012 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
Mikhail Gorbachev, George H.W. Bush, James Baker
Former President of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev, left, listens as former President George H.W. Bush, center, points to former Secretary of State James Baker, right, before eating lunch Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012, in Houston. Gorbachev is in Houston to speak at the Brilliant Lecture Series. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Mikhail Gorbachev, George H.W. Bush
Former President of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev, left, is greeted by former President George H.W. Bush, right, as the two meet for lunch Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012, in Houston. Gorbachev is in Houston to speak at the Brilliant Lecture Series. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Mikhail Gorbachev, George H.W. Bush, James Baker, Pavel Palazhchenko
Former Secretary of State James Baker, right, points out a page in former President of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev's, left, book to former President George H.W. Bush, center, before their lunch Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012, in Houston. Gorbachev is in Houston to speak at the Brilliant Lecture Series. Gorbache's adviser Pavel Palazhchenko is back left. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
George H.W. Bush
RETRANSMISSION TO CORRECT LENGTH OF SENTENCE - FILE- In this March 5, 1991 file photo, U.S. President George H. W. Bush holds the badge of slain New York City Patrolman Eddie Byrne during a speech to Attorney General Dick Thornburgh's anti-crime summit in Washington. The four men who were convicted for Byrnes murder and received a sentence of 25 years to life, are scheduled to meet with the parole board in November 2012. (AP Photo/Marcy Nighswander, File)
Carole Simpson, George H.W.Bush, Bill Clinton, Ross Perot
FILE - In this Oct. 15, 1992 file photo, Moderator Carole Simpson, background center, presides over the Presidential debate between, from left, Democratic presidential candidate Bill Clinton, Independent candidate Ross Perot, center, and Republican candidate, President George H.W. Bush, at the University of Richmond, Va. The every-four-years ritual of a national "town hall" style debate began as a nerve-racking experiment in live television. Simpson was so nervous about turning over the microphone to regular folks and their questions that she spent days mapping out the presidential candidates and their issues on "a zillion 3-by-5 cards," in case she had to take over the questioning herself. (AP Photo/Joe Marquette, File)
George H.W. Bush, Ross Perot
FILE - In this Oct. 15, 1992, file photo President George H.W. Bush looks at his watch during the 1992 presidential campaign debate with other candidates, Independent Ross Perot, top, and Democrat Bill Clinton, not shown, at the University of Richmond, Va. The town hall style presidential debates began 20 years ago as a nerve-racking experiment in live television. Moderator Carole Simpson was so nervous about turning over the microphone to regular folks that she spent days mapping out the presidential candidates and their issues on 3-by 5-cards, just in case. Viewers want the candidates to show respect for those voters in the room, who stand in proxy for all Americans. Bush was thrown by a women's oddly and even worse just as she began her question, TV cameras caught Bush checking his watch. That gesture would be replayed over and again as evidence that the president was indifferent and out of touch. I took a huge hit, Bush said years later. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds, File)
Ryder Cup - Day Two Four-Balls
MEDINAH, IL - SEPTEMBER 29: (L-R) Tiger Woods of the USA is watched by Barbara Bush, Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, Jim Deaton, George W. Bush and PGA of America president Allen Wronowski during day two of the Afternoon Four-Ball Matches for The 39th Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club on September 29, 2012 in Medinah, Illinois. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Ryder Cup - Day Two Four-Balls
MEDINAH, IL - SEPTEMBER 29: (L-R) Tiger Woods of the USA is watched by Barbara Bush, Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, Jim Deaton, George W. Bush and PGA of America president Allen Wronowski during day two of the Afternoon Four-Ball Matches for The 39th Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club on September 29, 2012 in Medinah, Illinois. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Ryder Cup - Day Two Four-Balls
MEDINAH, IL - SEPTEMBER 29: Former U.S. President George W. Bush (C) greets Rory McIlroy of Europe as George H.W. Bush looks on during day two of the Afternoon Four-Ball Matches for The 39th Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club on September 29, 2012 in Medinah, Illinois. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
HBO Documentary Special Screening Of "41"
KENNEBUNKPORT, ME - JUNE 12: Film Subject President George H.W. Bush is interviewed during the HBO Documentary special screening of '41' on June 12, 2012 in Kennebunkport, Maine. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for HBO)
In this June 10, 2012 photo provided by the U.S. Navy, former President George H.W. Bush is greeted as he arrives aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). Bush, his wife, Barbara, their son, former President George W. Bush, and other family members toured the carrier just off the coast of Maine, where the family has a home. George H.W. Bush is the newest aircraft carrier in the fleet. (AP Photo/U.S. Navy, Petty Officer 3rd Class Carrel Regis)
George H W. Bush
Former President George H.W. Bush crosses his red white and blue socked feet during the unveiling ceremony of former President George W. Bush, his son, and former first lady Laura Bush's portraits, Thursday, May 31, 2012, in the East Room of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
George H. W. Bush, Barbara Bush
Former President George H.W. Bush, left, and his wife, former first lady Barbara Bush, arrive in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Thursday, May 31, 2012, for a ceremony to unveil the official portrait of their son former President George W. Bush. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
US-POLITICS-GEORGE W BUSH-PORTRAIT-OBAMA
Former US President George H.W. Bush shakes hands as he departs from the East Room following the official portrait unveiling of his son former US President George W. Bush and wife Laura Bush May 31, 2012 at the White House in Washington, DC. AFP PHOTO / Mandel NGAN (Photo credit should read MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images)
Ronald Reagan George H.W. Bush
FILE - In this Nov. 10, 1988 file photo, U.S. President Ronald Reagan, right, greets President-elect George H. W. Bush, left, upon his arrival to the White House, Washington, D.C. The world was a different place the last time Aung San Suu Kyi left Myanmar. The Berlin Wall and the Soviet Union still existed. Bangkok, the city Suu Kyi visits this week, now has towering skyscrapers, a subway and elevated rail system and slightly milder traffic jams. (AP Photo/Charles Tasnadi, File)
George H.W. Bush
FILE - In this Feb. 19, 1992 file photo, President George H.W. Bush waves before boarding Air Force one at Andrews Air Force, Md. President Barack Obama flies Air Force One when he leaves town. So does Candidate Barack Obama. The distinction between the two roles for Obama matters because it helps determine who foots the bill for his travel. Either way, though, it's a safe bet that taxpayers are on the hook for at least part of the tab. Operating under the same rules that have governed presidential travel dating back to the Reagan years, Obama must reimburse the government for a portion of the costs associated with any political travel. But presidents of both parties have been secretive about the complicated mechanics. (AP Photo/Charles Tasnadi, File)
Mitt Romney, George H W Bush
Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, left, meets with former President George H.W. Bush to receive his endorsement Thursday, March 29, 2012, in Houston. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan)
Mitt Romney, George H W Bush, Barbara Bush
Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, left, meets with former President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush to receive their endorsements Thursday, March 29, 2012, in Houston. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan)
Points Of Light Institute Tribute To Former President George H.W. Bush
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 21: Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush attend the Points of Light Institute Tribute to Former President George H.W. Bush at The John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts on March 21, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kris Connor/Getty Images)
US President Barack Obama awards the 201
US President Barack Obama awards the 2010 Medal of Freedom to former President George H.W. Bush during a ceremony at the White House in Washington, DC, February 15, 2011. George Herbert Walker Bush was the 41st President of the United States. Prior to that, he was Vice President in the Reagan Administration, Director of Central Intelligence, Chief of the U.S. Liaisons Office to the Peoples Republic of China, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, and a Member of the House of Representatives from the 7th District of Texas. He served in the Navy during World War II. President Bush and President Clinton worked together to encourage aid for victims of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004. AFP PHOTO/Jim WATSON (Photo credit should read JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images)
President Obama Honors Medal Of Freedom Recipients
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 15: U.S. President Barack Obama (L) holds the hand of former President George H. W. Bush during the 2010 Medal of Freedom presentation ceremony at the East Room of the White House February 15, 2011 in Washington, DC. Obama presented the medal, the highest honor awarded to civilians, to twelve pioneers in sports, labor, politics and arts. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
A military aide assists former President
A military aide assists former President George H.W. Bush to his seat before the 2010 Medal of Freedom awards ceremony at the White House in Washington, DC, February 15, 2011. AFP PHOTO/Jim WATSON (Photo credit should read JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images)
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