Stars react to passing of former President George H.W. Bush

The 41st President of the United States was 94

Former President George Herbert Walker Bush passed away at the age of 94 on Friday night (Nov 30th), following a lengthy illness. Bush, who was also a former CIA director and Vice President, died at 10:10 pm Central time in Texas, less than eight months after his wife of 73 years, Barbara Bush, passed in April.

His son, 43rd President George W. Bush, released the following statement, saying, “Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Doro, and I are saddened to announce 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.”

Bush 41 served as President from the time he was sworn in on January 20, 1989 until Bill Clinton took over on January 20,1993. Bush sought a second term, in which he lost, following an economic downturn.

Bush was a friend to many musicians, including many country stars, even attending several country music events. As the news spread rampantly online Friday, musicians have taken to social media to share their thoughts on Bush 41’s passing.

Bush’s funeral is already being planned for most likely December 5th, which President Donald Trump has declared as a day of mourning. Bush will most likely lie in state at the Rotunda in Washington D.C., followed by a funeral for dignitaries at the Washington National Cathedral.

Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, Richard Sterban and Joe Bonsall of The Oak Ridge Boys have many fond memories of Bush 41. The released the following statement after receiving word of his death.

“What can we say that hasn’t been said or WILL be said about the loss of President George Herbert Walker Bush… That he was the 41st President of these United States…. That he was a selfless Naval pilot in the South Pacific… That he was an Ambassador to China… the head of the CIA… a Vice President… a leader… a hero… an example of being a gentlemanly force on the world stage… That he was fortunate enough to have been married to one of the most wonderful women who ever walked this planet? Yes, all of this has been said and will be alluded too with great respect over the next week or so, over and over, by dignitaries and everyday Americans such as ourselves. But how about the fact that he loved Country music and for decades we, The Oak Ridge Boys, were among his favorites.”

They continue, “We started to sing for him in 1982 when he was VP, and we have been singing for him ever since. We have performed our songs on Air Force One, in Kennebunkport many times, and at his home in Houston, whenever we were in the area. We have performed at the White House and several of his key birthday celebrations. But more than any of that, he was a friend. A good friend … a dear friend… we would even call him and sing to him when he wasn’t feeling well and Barbara swore that we had a healing effect on our FRIEND. To say he will be missed is an understatement so let us just say that we will miss our friend. We have laughed together, shared tears together, fished together, hiked together, shared a lot of lobster together, and sang together. Yes… he fancied himself to be quite the bass singer. We loved George Bush #41. Our families loved him. We are better people and, yes, better Americans for having ridden with him. We WILL sing for him again one day. THIS is ASSURED!”

Reba is another star that shared several moments with Bush 41. “One of many great times we got to be with President Bush. Mrs. Bush is smiling up a storm this morning!! What a great life he had,” she writes.

She continues, “Everyone in the country music business was so honored when President and Mrs. Bush joined us at the CMA Awards.”

Travis Tritt had nothing but kind words to say about him on Facebook. “President George H.W. Bush was such an iconic figure. In addition to all the wonderful adjectives used to describe him, he was a warm, personable and humorous human being. He will truly be missed!”

Naomi Judd calls him a friend who was very kind. “One of the highlights of my exciting career was when Former President George H.W. Bush asked me to introduce him at his rallies during his campaign for re-election,” she shares. “I got the unbelievable opportunity to fly on Air Force One, and ride with him in the Presidential limo. I was a witness to his constant kindness to everyone in his path: doormen, waiters and especially our military. I saw him treat his staff with respect, like they were friends. He had such reverence for his office. He never entered the Oval Office without a suit. I consider him a friend.”

“RIP Mr. President. A great leader. A true hero. A thousand points of light burn a little brighter in your honor,” shares Billy Ray Cyrus.

Cyrus continues, “Looking back at one of the proudest days of my life. Surrounded by Don Von Tress, my dad, Bob Hope and President George H.W. Bush. He presented me the Medal of Artistic Excellence for #SomeGaveAll. Mr President, you gave all to this great country. Thoughts & prayers to loved ones.”

Tanya Tucker recalls spending time in Vegas with the former Pres. “I have so many memories with Bush Sr. I remember once when I was in Vegas I got a call from him asking if I’d join him for lunch in an hour! We had a grand time,” she shares. “Daddy George, as I called him. We had bowls of fabulous Beluga caviar. I remember he asked me if I liked it. So many memories. Thank you, President George H.W. Bush for your service and your sacrifice. Our great country needed you and we are so blessed we had you for our president! Rest easy and say hello to my mother and daddy up there. I miss them too!”

Buddy Iahn
Buddy Iahn

Buddy Iahn founded The Music Universe when he decided to juxtapose his love of web design and music. As a lifelong drummer, he decided to take a hiatus from playing music to report it. The website began as a fun project in 2013 to one of the top independent news sites. Email: info@themusicuniverse.com