George H.W. Bush’s Friend Reveals The Final Words He Had For His Son George W. Bush

US President George H.W. Bush was adored by many for his love of the nation and his family. Even in his final moments, that was no different. While surrounded by friends and family at his Houston home, George W. Bush was put on speaker phone with his father, whose final words to his son were “I love you, too.” Aww!

During their last conversation, the 72-year-old was telling his father what a “wonderful” dad he had been and that he loved him, according to an interview with James A. Baker III published by the New York Times. “I can’t even hardly talk about it without welling up,” George H.W.’s friend and former chief of staff and secretary of state told the Times. “It was as gentle a passing as I think you could ever expect anyone to have. And he was ready.”

The former President’s passing on Nov. 30 is extremely saddening. However, the 94-year-old’s death is bittersweet as he is joining Barbara Bush in heaven, his wife of 73 years, who passed away in April.

Moments after his father’s passing was announced, George W. shared a heartwarming tribute to his late parents on Instagram. “Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Doro, and I are saddened to announce that after 94 remarkable years, our dear Dad has died,” he captioned the photo of the couple walking arm and arm.

“George H.W. Bush was a man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for,” George W. added. “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.”

George H.W.’s health sadly “went downhill” after his return to Houston this fall, Baker revealed. He apparently told his caregivers that he didn’t want to be hospitalized after he stopped eating on Nov. 29. The next day, George H.W. began eating again, but passed away just hours later. “Everybody thought this is going to be a great day and he’s back and he’s bounced back again,” James admitted.

George H.W.’s funeral services will be taking place this week, where the late former President will be honored at the US Capitol and the National Cathedral in Washington, DC. He will then be brought back to the Presidential Library in College Station, TX, where George H.W. will be laid to rest next to his beloved Barbara and daughter Robin, who died of leukemia as a child.