Former president George H.W. Bush passed away on Nov. 30, 2018. The 41st U.S. president was 94 years old.
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An avid country music fan, the former president is the first and only president to attend the Country Music Association awards. During the 25th annual CMA awards, President Bush appeared at the end of the broadcast to deliver a touching speech praising country music.
"Country music gives us a window on the real world," Bush said during the ceremony. "It's easy to see why America loves country music. Country music loves America."
Many in the country community loved President George H. W. Bush right back and took to social media and other outlets to remember and honor the former president.
Randy Travis, who wrote and performed the 1991 song "Point of Light" for president Bush's "Thousand Points of Light" initiative, issued a statement about the former president who became his friend.
"The world lost a wonderful human being whose greatest concern was for others, and for that which is right," Travis said in a statement. "President George Bush, Sr.'s steady leadership encouraged us all to work together to make a difference in his 'Thousand Points of Light' initiative, which I was blessed to be a part of."
Read on to see what other country stars are saying in the wake of George H. W. Bush's death.
War hero,congressman,Ambassador, CIA Director,VP, President,father, family man,friend. Thank you for your friendship & for giving yourself so fully to these United States. I?ll miss you pal. Barbara?s got the place all organized up there by now, I?m sure. Go home. #GeorgeHWBush pic.twitter.com/iTf6joW69e
— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) December 1, 2018
We?ve lost a true leader and patriot that served our nation and his family with humility and integrity.
Thank you sir pic.twitter.com/SJfxBGe71j— Tim McGraw (@TheTimMcGraw) December 1, 2018
Deepest condolences to the Bush family on the death of George H W Bush, a patriot and a truly nice gentleman.
— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) December 1, 2018
What a life well-lived.
Rest In Peace, Mr. President. Thank you for your service, your leadership and most of all, your decency.#GeorgeHWBush https://t.co/9QTZUt4mt1
— Chely Wright (@chelywright) December 1, 2018
