George H.W. Bush surprises visitors with appearance at Houston church honoring his wife

Former President George H.W. Bush on Friday made a surprise appearance at a Houston Church where his late wife, Barbara Bush, is lying in repose.

Former President Bush greeted mourners who stopped by the church to pay their respects to his wife of more than seven decades. Barbara Bush died Tuesday at the age of 92.

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Jim McGrath, the family spokesman, said the former president had not planned to go to the church, but was moved to visit after watching hundreds of people paying their respects in a video from the church.

“I think he was very touched by all of the people who were taking the time out of their lives,” McGrath said, according to The Associated Press. 

Former President @GeorgeHWBush with his daughter Doro paying his respects to his wife of 73 years, the amazing Barbara Bush, and greeting well-wishers there at St. Martin’s Church today. pic.twitter.com/5Kwn0U9k25

— Jim McGrath (@jgm41) April 20, 2018

Barbara Bush, who had been hospitalized multiple times throughout the past year, decided against seeking additional medical treatment in the days before her death.

Her funeral will be held Saturday in Houston. First lady Melania Trump will attend the funeral on behalf of the Trump family, the White House said Thursday, but President Trump will not be in attendance.

“To avoid disruptions due to added security, and out of respect for the Bush Family and friends attending the service, President Trump will not attend,” the White House said.