WASHINGTON (July 20, 2012)--Former President George W. Bush is skipping the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., next month, spokesman Freddy Ford said Friday.

Ford said the 43rd president is enjoying his time off the political stage and has respectfully declined the party's invitation to attend the event.

Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney will formally be nominated at the convention.

Bush's father, former President George H.W. Bush, said earlier this week he won’t attend the convention.

Both of the former presidents have endorsed Romney.