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CRAWFORD, Texas - US President Bush on Tuesday night called the late President Gerald Ford a "great American" who helped heal the nation after Richard Nixon resigned in disgrace over the Watergate scandal.

President Clinton sits with former President Gerald Ford (L), former President George Bush (2nd R), former first lady Nancy Reagan (R) outside historic Independence Hall, during the President's Summit for America's Future in Philadelphia in this April 28, 1997 file photo. Ford, who took office from an embattled Richard M. Nixon, has died, according to a statement from his widow on December 26, 2006. [Reuters]

"The American people will always admire Gerald Ford's devotion to duty, his personal character and the honorable conduct of his administration," Bush said in a statement from his Texas ranch where he is spending the week. "We mourn the loss of such a leader, and our 38th president will always have a special place in our nation's memory."

Bush expressed his personal condolences in a phone call with former first lady Betty Ford. He is scheduled to make a statement at 8 a.m. EST (1300 GMT) Wednesday at his ranch.

White House chief of staff Joshua Bolten notified Bush about Ford's death shortly before 11 p.m. EST (0400 GMT). Bolten had been called a short time before by Ford's chief of staff.

"President Ford was a great American who gave many years of dedicated service to our country," Bush said.

On August 9, 1974, after a long career in the House and service as vice president, Ford assumed the presidency "in an hour of national turmoil and division," Bush said.

"With his quiet integrity, common sense and kind instincts, President Ford helped heal our land and restore public confidence in the presidency."

Deputy White House press secretary Scott Stanzel said funeral arrangements are being handled by Ford's family. The president is scheduled to return to Washington on January 1, but he would attend the funeral, Stanzel said.

"On behalf of all Americans, Laura and I offer our deepest sympathies to Betty Ford and all of President Ford's family," Bush said. "Our thoughts and prayers will be with them in the hours and days ahead."