George H. W. Bush’s Death: Jeb Bush, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Donald Trump and More React on Twitter
George H. W. Bush's sudden passing prompted a bipartisan outpouring of condolences online from politicians and celebrities.
The former President's family, peers, and even those who didn't personally know him flocked to Twitter to express their sadness over his death. Jeb Bush, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Donald Trump and more posted about the 94-year-old online. Some shared fond memories, while others recalled his political accomplishments.
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush was among the first to memorialize his father on Twitter, writing that he had "already" begun to miss him.
"I already miss the greatest human being that I will ever know," he wrote on social media Saturday morning. "Love you Dad!"
George W. Bush also memorialized his father on social media, posting a heartwarming message about the love George Bush Sr. and wife Barbara Bush, who died April 17, shared.
"Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Doro, and I are saddened to announce that after 94 remarkable years, our dear Dad has died," the 43rd president captioned a photo of his father and mother walking arm-in-arm. "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 the 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."
The deceased president's spokesperson, Jim McGrath, tweeted a cartoon showing George H. W. Bush, his wife and their daughter Robin, who died at age 3 from leukemia, reuniting in heaven.
"We waited for you," Barbara and Robin say to him in the cartoon.
Jenna Bush Hager also shared the cartoon, telling Instagram followers it comforted her. She then shared a sweet story about a conversation she and her grandfather had about death before his passing.
"I had the opportunity to talk with my grandpa about the afterlife. This is what he said: He answered without any hesitation. 'Yes, I think about it. I used to be afraid. I used to be afraid of dying. I used to worry about death. But now in some ways I look forward to it.' And I started crying. I managed to choke out, 'Well, why? What do you look forward to?' And he said, 'Well, when I die, I'm going to be reunited with these people that I've lost,'" she shared.
"And I asked who he hoped to see. He replied I hope I see Robin, and I hope I see my mom. I haven't yet figured out if it will be Robin as a three year old that she was, this kind of chubby, vivacious child or if she'll come as a middle-aged woman, an older woman. And then he said, 'I hope she's the three-year-old.' Robing was the daughter this giant of a man lost years before to leukemia. The little girl he held tightly: who spoke the phrase I have heard Gampy repeat my entire life, forever knitting Robin's voice into the tightly woven fabric of our family: 'I Love you more than tongue can tell.'"
Former President Barack Obama shared a tribute of his own to George H. W. Bush, calling him "a patriot and humble servant." He went on to say that he and Michelle Obama's hearts were "heavy," before sharing a sweet anecdote about George Bush Sr. and Barbara Bush's loving relationship.
"America has lost a patriot and humble servant in George Herbert Walker Bush. While our hearts are heavy today, they are also filled with gratitude. Our thoughts are with the entire Bush family tonight -- and all who were inspired by George and Barbara's example," he said. "After seventy-three years of marriage, George and Barbara Bush are together again now, two points of light that never dimmer, two points of light that ignited countless others with their examples."
For his part, Donald Trump tweeted that he and Melania Trump "join with a grieving Nation to mourn the loss of former President George H.W. Bush."
Bill Clinton, Dan Quayle, Jimmy Carter, Cher, Andy Cohen and more also memorialized George H. W. Bush online. Check out the touching tributes below:
George H. W. Bush died Friday at 10:10 p.m., McGrath confirmed. His death comes roughly eight months after his wife died in April 2018. Her passing appeared to take a toll on him. He was admitted to the intensive care unit at Houston Methodist Hospital less than a day afterward to be treated for an infection that spread to his blood.
He recovered and flew to Kennebunkport, Maine to relax. He was admitted to the hospital again in May 2018. This time he was treated for low blood pressure and fatigue.
He leaves behind five children: George W. Bush, Jeb, Neil, Marvin and Dorothy. George H. W. Bush has 17 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.