George W. Bush to Be in DC Despite Dad’s Health

George W. Bush to Be in DC Despite Dad’s Health
Former President George H. W. Bush (R) and his wife, Barbara, are greeted before a Republican presidential primary debate at The University of Houston in Houston, in this file photo. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
The Associated Press
1/18/2017
Updated:
1/18/2017

Former President George W. Bush still plans to attend President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration this week even though his father and mother are hospitalized in Houston.

Freddy Ford is a spokesman for the younger Bush in Dallas. He said Wednesday that the 43rd president expects to be in Washington on Friday and doesn’t plan to travel to Houston.

Bush’s 92-year-old father, former President George H.W. Bush, was hospitalized for respiratory issues over the weekend. Barbara Bush was hospitalized as a precaution Wednesday for fatigue and coughing.

Last week, George H.W. Bush cited health concerns when announcing he couldn’t attend the inauguration. In a letter to Trump, Bush said his doctor told him that if he sat outside in January, “it likely will put me six-feet under. ... Same for Barbara. So I guess we’re stuck in Texas.”

But he offered Trump help, if needed, and wished him “the very best as you begin this incredible journey of leading our great country.”