HOUSTON (January 21, 2013)--Former President George H.W. Bush, 88, and his wife, Barbara, weren’t able to attend the inauguration events in Washington, but they issued a statement congratulating President Barack Obama as he begins his second term.

The former president issued a statement Monday in which he said, "Barbara and I send President and Mrs. Obama - and their wonderful girls - our best wishes and prayers on this historic day. May Almighty God bless them and our wonderful country over the next four years."

Bush was released a week ago from a Houston hospital where he was treated for nearly two months for a bronchitis-related cough and other health issues.

He served two terms as Ronald Reagan's vice president before he was elected in 1988 to his only term as the nation's 41st president.

He was inaugurated Jan. 20, 1989.