PRESIDENT FORD DIES AT 93

White House Photograph Courtesy Gerald R. Ford Library

1913-2006

Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States, has died in his California home with his wife Betty and family by his side. Gerald Ford was 93.

“My family joins me in sharing the difficult news that Gerald Ford, our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather has passed away at 93 years of age. His life was filled with love of God, his family and his country." Betty Ford

President Bush released this statement upon hearing of President Ford's death:

Laura and I are greatly saddened by the passing of former President Gerald R. Ford. President Ford was a great American who gave many years of dedicated service to our country. On August 9, 1974, after a long career in the House of Representatives and service as Vice President, he assumed the Presidency in an hour of national turmoil and division. With his quiet integrity, common sense, and kind instincts, President Ford helped heal our land and restore public confidence in the Presidency.

The American people will always admire Gerald Ford's devotion to duty, his personal character, and the honorable conduct of his administration. We mourn the loss of such a leader, and our 38th President will always have a special place in our Nation's memory. On behalf of all Americans, Laura and I offer our deepest sympathies to Betty Ford and all of President Ford's family. Our thoughts and prayers will be with them in the hours and days ahead.

Details of Ford's death were not immediately available, though he had checked in and out of hospitals for months. Ford's chief of staff called Bush Chief of Staff Josh Bolten at 10:25 p.m. to inform the president of the death. The president called Betty Ford, to express condolences just after midnight.