President Bush Attends Cowboys Game Ahead of Dick Cheney’s Passing
Former President George W. Bush made a public appearance on the field during Monday Night Football shortly before the news broke about the passing of his vice president, Dick Cheney.
Bush, 79, accompanied by his wife, former first lady Laura Bush, took part in a pregame ceremony honoring Medal of Honor recipients during the national anthem before the Dallas Cowboys played against the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Monday, November 3.
The former first couple also engaged in the coin toss before the game, which ended with a 27-17 win for the visiting Cardinals.
Cheney’s passing was announced in a statement from his family on Tuesday, November 4.
The former vice president, who served in Bush’s administration from 2001 to 2009, passed away on Monday due to complications related to pneumonia as well as cardiac and vascular diseases. He was 84 years old.
Cheney faced numerous cardiovascular challenges throughout his life, experiencing five heart attacks before receiving a heart transplant in 2012 at the age of 74.
President Bush released a statement regarding Cheney’s death on Tuesday, describing it as “a loss to the nation and a sorrow to his friends.”
“Laura and I will remember Dick Cheney as the decent, honorable man that he was,” Bush expressed. “History will note him as one of the finest public servants of his era — a patriot who brought integrity, intelligence, and a serious commitment to every role he undertook.”
Bush said he will always be “grateful” that Cheney chose to be by his side throughout both terms in office.
“Dick offered calm and steady guidance in the White House during times of great national challenge,” the former president remarked. “I relied on his honest and direct advice, and he consistently provided his best efforts. He stood firmly by his principles and placed the freedom and safety of the American people at the forefront of his priorities. Throughout both terms and in his illustrious career, Dick Cheney’s service brought honor to the nation he cherished.”
He further stated, “Dick’s devotion to America was only surpassed by his love for his family. Laura and I have shared our heartfelt condolences with Vice President Cheney’s wife, Lynne, as well as their daughters and grandchildren, all of whom he held in great pride. Our prayers are with Lynne, Liz, Mary, and the entire Cheney family as they celebrate the life of a remarkable man.”
Cheney was surrounded by his wife of 61 years, Lynne, his daughters, Liz and Mary, and other loved ones at the time of his passing, as indicated by the family’s statement.
“For many years, Dick Cheney devoted his life to serving our country in various capacities, including as White House Chief of Staff, Congressman from Wyoming, Secretary of Defense, and Vice President of the United States,” the statement further noted. “He was a wonderful man who instilled in his children and grandchildren a deep love for our country, as well as values of courage, honor, kindness, and, of course, a passion for fly-fishing.”
The statement concluded by expressing, “We are immensely grateful for all that Dick Cheney accomplished for our nation. We are incredibly blessed to have loved and been loved by this noble giant of a man.”

