Former US president George HW Bush, who presided over the end of the Cold War but lost a chance for a second term after breaking a no-new-taxes pledge, has died aged 94.
Mr Bush, the 41st president of the United States, who lived longer than any of his predecessors and possessed one of the most impressive resumes in US political history, died peacefully at his home in Houston, according to a source close to the family.
His death at 4.10am Irish time was first announced in a brief statement issued by longtime spokesman Jim McGrath, who said funeral arrangements had yet to be scheduled.
He was the father of former president George W Bush, who served two terms in the White House during the 2000s, and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, who unsuccessfully sought the 2016 Republican nomination for president.
"The entire Bush family is deeply grateful for 41's life and love, for the compassion of those who have cared and prayed for Dad, and for the condolences of our friends and fellow citizens," George W Bush said in a statement.
The elder Bush, a Republican like his sons, also served as vice president for eight years during Ronald Reagan's two terms as president, before being elected to the White House himself.
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Statement by the 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush, on the passing of his father this evening at the age 94. pic.twitter.com/oTiDq1cE7h
— Jim McGrath (@jgm41) December 1, 2018
Mr Bush defeated former Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis, the Democratic nominee, in the 1988 presidential campaign, and lost his 1992 re-election bid to Democrat Bill Clinton.
Mr Bush's death came seven months after that of his wife, former first lady Barbara Bush, to whom he was married for 73 years.
The former president, who served as a US naval aviator during World War II, had attended his wife's funeral in Houston in a wheelchair and wore a pair of colorful socks festooned with books, in honour of his late wife's commitment to literacy.
He had been admitted to a Houston hospital with a blood infection that led to sepsis a day after her funeral in April.
The Bushes had been regular fixtures in their adopted hometown of Houston after his presidency, but public appearances became more rare because of health problems as they reached their 90s.
But Mr Bush was on the field in November 2017 as his eldest son, who served as the nation's 43rd president, tossed out the first ball at one of the Houston Astros' World Series games against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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He had also been joined by Barbara for the ceremonial coin toss when Houston hosted the Super Bowl in February 2017.
Current US President Donald Trump paid tribute in a statement to his predecessor's "essential authenticity, disarming wit, and unwavering commitment to faith, family and country."
Statement from President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on the Passing of Former President George H.W. Bush pic.twitter.com/qxPsp4Ggs7
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 1, 2018
Mr Trump added that Mr Bush "inspired generations of his fellow Americans to public service - to be, in his words, 'a thousand points of light' illuminating the greatness, hope and opportunity of America to the world."
Mr Bush did not endorse Mr Trump, the eventual winner of the 2016 presidential election, who attacked both Jeb and George W Bush during his campaign.
He did not publicly say whom he voted for in the election, but a source told CNN he went with Hillary Clinton.
He did send Mr Trump a letter in January 2017 saying he would not be able to attend his inauguration because of health concerns, but wishing him the best.
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The White House has said Mr Trump will attend the state funeral for Mr Bush.
A spokeswoman said the President has designated Wednesday 5 December as a National Day of Mourning and both he and the First Lady Melania Trump will attend the funeral at the National Cathedral in Washington DC.
In a statement, former president Barack Obama said the US has lost a "patriot and a humble servant".
He said Mr Bush's life is "a testament to the notion that public service is a noble, joyous calling".
America has lost a patriot and humble servant in George Herbert Walker Bush. While our hearts are heavy today, they are also filled with gratitude. Our thoughts are with the entire Bush family tonight – and all who were inspired by George and Barbara’s example. pic.twitter.com/g9OUPu2pjY
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 1, 2018
Mr Clinton said he would be forever grateful for his friendship with Mr Bush, saying he and his wife Hillary "give thanks for his great long life of service love and friendship".
Mr Clinton said that "few Americans have been - or will be - able to match President Bush's record of service to the United States and the joy he took every day from it".
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 am grateful for every minute I spent with him and will always hold our friendship as one of my life’s greatest gifts. https://t.co/1CYdrIeKmz
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) December 1, 2018
