Ailing former President George H. W. Bush eerily predicted a serious health scare that hospitalized him and his wife in a letter to Donald Trump last week explaining why he couldn’t attend the inauguration.
“Barbara and I are so sorry we can’t be there for your Inauguration on January 20th. My doctor says if I sit outside in January, it likely will put me six feet under,” Bush, 92, wrote in a letter to the president-elect on Jan. 10.
“Same for Barbara. So I guess we’re stuck in Texas,” added Bush, who has a form of Parkinson’s disease.
Four days after he gave his regrets to Trump, Bush, the oldest living president, was rushed to Houston Methodist Hospital, suffering from shortness of breath.
A Bush spokesman initially said he was expected to be released Wednesday.
But the ex-president’s condition deteriorated and he was placed in the hospital’s intensive care unit for an “acute respiratory problem.”
That dire announcement was quickly followed by news that former First Lady Barbara Bush, was also being admitted to the hospital for fatigue. She is 91.
“Shortly after our previous report on President Bush’s condition, he was admitted to the ICU at Houston Methodist Hospital to address an acute respiratory problem stemming from pneumonia. Doctors performed a procedure to protect and clear his airway that required sedation,” said spokesman Jim McGrath.
“President Bush is stable and resting comfortably in the ICU, where he will remain for observation.”
“Additionally, Mrs. Bush was admitted to the Houston Methodist Hospital this morning as a precaution after experiencing fatigue and coughing,” he said.
The Bushes celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary on Jan. 6. They hold the record for longest-married presidential couple.
Despite his planned absence, the 41st president offered the soon-to-be 45th president “the very best.”
“We will be with you and the country in spirit. I want you to know that I wish you the very best as you begin this incredible journey of leading our great country. If I can every be of help, please let me know,” he wrote.
Bush’s son, former President George W. Bush, will attend the inauguration with former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton.