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

Former President George H. W. Bush before the Houston Texans play the New York Giants in an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (Dave Einsel)

KTRK

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.

George H.W. Bush in letter to Trump about #Inauguration: "My doctor says if I sit outside in January, it likely will put me six feet under." pic.twitter.com/NDGeq6wFSI
— ABC News (@ABC) January 18, 2017

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.

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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.

Looking forward to a speedy recovery for George and Barbara Bush, both hospitalized. Thank you for your wonderful letter!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2017