George H.W. Bush pens letter before hospitalization to Donald Trump

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- In a personal letter sent to Donald Trump ahead of Friday's inauguration, former President George H.W. Bush jokingly explained his reasons for not attending.

"My doctor says if I sit outside in January, it likely will put me six feet under. Same for Barbara. So I guess we're stuck in Texas," part of the letter stated.

Two days before the presidential inauguration, George H.W. and his wife Barbara are hospitalized at two Houston-area hospitals. President Bush was admitted to the ICU at Houston Methodist Hospital.

In a response to the former First Family, President-Elect Trump tweeted out his well-wishes.

"Looking forward to a speedy recovery for George and Barbara Bush, both hospitalized. Thank you for your wonderful letter!" he tweeted.