George H.W. Bush: Political world reacts to death of former president

Tributes poured in from the political world as news spread early Saturday of the death of former president George H.W. Bush.

Past presidents, state leaders and others offered condolences and remembered the life of the the 41st president of the United States, who died shortly after 10 p.m. Friday.

Statements on Bush’s death are below:

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump

Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders

“The President and First Lady were notified late last night of President George H.W. Bush’s passing. President Trump is scheduled to speak with President George W. Bush this morning and offer his condolences on behalf of himself, the First Lady, and the entire country. A state funeral is being arranged with all of the accompanying support and honors. The President will designate Wednesday, December 5th as a National Day Of Mourning. He and the First Lady will attend the funeral at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.”

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

“Hillary and I mourn the passing of President George H.W. Bush, and give thanks for his great long life of service, love, and friendship.

“I will be forever grateful for the friendship we formed. From the moment I met him as a young governor invited to his home in Kennebunkport, I was struck by the kindness he showed to Chelsea, by his innate and genuine decency, and by his devotion to Barbara, his children, and their growing brood.

“Few Americans have been—or will ever be—able to match President Bush’s record of service to the United States and the joy he took every day from it; from his military service in World War II, to his work in Congress, the United Nations, China, the Central Intelligence Agency, the Vice Presidency and the Presidency, where he worked to move the post Cold War world toward greater unity, peace, and freedom.

“He never stopped serving. I saw it up close, working with him on tsunami relief in Asia and here at home after Hurricane Katrina. His remarkable leadership and great heart were always on full display.

“I am profoundly grateful for every minute I spent with President Bush and will always hold our friendship as one of my life’s greatest gifts.

“Our hearts and prayers are with George, Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Doro, their families, and the entire Bush clan.”

Former President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter

“Rosalynn and I are deeply saddened by the death of former President George H.W. Bush. His administration was marked by grace, civility, and social conscience. Through his Points of Light initiative and other projects, he espoused a uniquely American volunteer spirit, fostering bipartisan support for citizen service and inspiring millions to embrace community volunteerism as a cherished responsibility. We again extend our heartfelt condolences to the Bush family.”

Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush, grandson

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott

“Texans are genuinely honored that he called the Lone Star State home and we collectively grieve this monumental loss.”

Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger

Former Alaska Gov.  Sarah Palin

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL)

James A. Baker III, secretary of state in the Bush administration

“The legacy of George H.W. Bush will be forever etched in the history of America and the world. It is a lifelong record of selfless patriotic service to our nation.”

Sen. Mark Warner (R-VA)

Former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice

“President George Herbert Walker Bush was the epitome of a public servant. He loved America with all of his heart and served her as fully and completely as anyone ever has.

“I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to work for him, to learn from him and to experience his deep and abiding commitment to his fellow citizens. He was a mentor to me and a dear friend.

“President Bush's legacy is deep and broad: the many people that he touched, the difference that he made in the life of the country and the impact that he had beyond America's shores. We will never forget his steady and inspired leadership in guiding the world to the peaceful end of the Cold War.

“Now he is in God's loving embrace with Mrs. Barbara Bush, his beloved wife of so many years. He has finished his race with honor and dignity. All who knew him and loved him -- especially his remarkable family -- will miss him. Yet, he lives on with us in spirit. Rest well, Mr. President.”

Kellyanne Conway, Counselor to President Trump

Russian leader Vladimir Putin

“A distinguished man has passed away. One who served his country for his entire life, with a weapon in his hands during wartime and in high office during peacetime.”

Former Soviet premier Mikhail Gorbachev

“It was a time of great change, demanding great responsibility from everyone. The result was the end of the Cold War and nuclear arms race. (My wife, Raisa, and I) deeply appreciated the attention, kindness and simplicity typical of George and Barbara Bush, as well as the rest of their large, friendly family.”

South Korean President Moon Jae-in

“He will be long remembered in the hearts of our people for his dedication to world peace and safety while leading the efforts that brought an end to the Cold War and reconciliation between the East and West, and also for his strong efforts to bring peace to the Korean Peninsula and develop the alliance between South Korea and the United States.”

German Chancellor Angela Merkel

"The German people had in him a true friend who recognized the significance of this historic hour and gave us his trust and support."

The Associated Press contributed to this report

Cox Media Group