George H.W. Bush's Heartfelt Note Passing Presidency To Bill Clinton Goes Viral Following Bush's Death

A touching note George H.W. Bush once wrote to incoming President Bill Clinton resurfaced and went viral following Bush's death on Friday.

"Your success now is our country's success. I am rooting hard for you," Bush wrote for his successor while handing off the presidency in 1993. Bush had lost his re-election bid in 1992 to Clinton by over 200 electoral votes, which ended 15 years of Republican rule in the White House.

Bush, the 41st president of the United States, passed away at the age of 94. His death comes less than eight months after the passing of his wife, Barbara Bush. The late-night announcement of his passing by his son George W. Bush, the 43rd president of the United States, sparked an outpouring of tributes honoring his life of public service.

Clinton paid a heartfelt personal tribute to his predecessor early Saturday morning in an op-ed published by The Washington Post. The editorial began with the message that Bush had written, which was waiting for him when he entered the Oval Office for the first time.

"His friendship has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. From Indonesia to Houston, from the Katrina-ravaged Gulf Coast to Kennebunkport - where just a few months ago we shared our last visit, as he was surrounded by his family but clearly missing Barbara - I cherished every opportunity I had to learn and laugh with him. I just loved him," Clinton wrote.

Clinton detailed how their friendship solidified when they teamed up to spearhead relief and recovery efforts following the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The duo was also asked to speak together at Tulane's graduation ceremony in 2006.

"We should all give thanks for George H.W. Bush's long life, good life and honor it by searching, as he always did, for the most American way forward," Clinton concluded.

Here is the full letter Bush wrote to Clinton in 1993:

Dear Bill,

When I walked into this office just now I felt the same sense of wonder and respect that I felt four years ago. I know you will feel that, too.

I wish you great happiness here. I never felt the loneliness some Presidents have described.

There will be very tough times, made even more difficult by criticism you may not think is fair. I'm not a very good one to give advice; but just don't let the critics discourage you or push you off course.

You will be our President when you read this note. I wish you well. I wish your family well.

Your success now is our country's success. I am rooting hard for you.

Good Luck – George