The Oak Ridge Boys and Reba McEntire Pay Tribute to Dear Friend, President George H.W. Bush
As thousands of people gather at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston, TX, to celebrate the life of America’s 41stpresident George H.W. Bush, the president’s good friends and country stars the Oak Ridge Boys, paid tribute to him by singing Amazing Grace.
According to the Chicago Sun Times, the former president wrote that he wanted his favorite group to sing the classic hymn at his funeral.
During the service in Texas, the Oak Ridge Boys noted that they first sang for Bush in October 1983, when he was Vice President of the United States. Joe Bonsall of the group recalled the then Vice President asking the group to sing for him.
He said, “We first sang for him in October of 1983 on the lawn of the White House when he was Vice President and he said, ‘Fellas,’ he always called us fellas, ‘would you sing me a few songs? I’m a big fan.’”
The group then sang Amazing Grace for the President, noting what a great honor it was to sing for him one last time.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the Oak Ridge Boys took a private jet to Texas, Wednesday night, after finishing their concert in Spokane, Wash. Following their early morning arrival, the group had about four hours to prepare for their tribute to President Bush.
The group’s lead singer, Duane Allen noted, “It’s what you do for friends.”
Reba McEntire also sang at the president’s hometown funeral. The Christian country star sang an emotional rendition of the Lord’s prayer in celebration of the 41st president’s life.
Bush will be laid to rest on Thursday in his home state of Texas. According to the Chicago Tribune, President Bush will be buried next to his wife, Barbra Bush, in his family plot on the presidential library at Texas A&M University in College Station.
Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Pool
Video courtesy: PBS NewsHour
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