Nashville, Tenn. – This morning, Larry Gatlin of legendary country music group Larry, Steve & Rudy: The Gatlin Brothers, released the following statement on the passing of former United States president, George H.W. Bush:
“I first met president George H.W. Bush in 1964 when Steve, Rudy and I sang for his congressional run. He lost. Later when he became vice-president, I walked up to him in the White House to say hello. He stuck out his hand and said, ‘Hey Larry Gatlin… you’re one of those little snotty nose kids who sang for my campaign in Odessa in 1964.’ I said, ‘Yessir, I am.’ He said, ‘It worked out better this time. We won!’ Rest in peace, old friend.”
-Larry Gatlin
The Gatlin Brothers became close friends of the former president, performing on his behalf on the campaign trail, at his inauguration in 1989, and multiple times at the White House and the historic Ford Theatre in Washington D.C.
Bush passed away on Friday, November 30. He was 94.