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Ex-President Bush to toss Super Bowl coin

Los Angeles - Former US President George H.W. Bush will conduct the coin toss at this weekend's Super Bowl just days after being released from a Texas hospital after recovering from pneumonia, it was confirmed on Wednesday.

National Football League commissioner Roger Goodell told reporters that the 41st president, age 92, and his wife Barbara, 91, were eager to attend the showpiece in Houston.

"I approached them back in December. They were very enthusiastic about wanting to participate and we're honored to have them," Goodell said. 

"I think you all know that both of them had a little bit of a setback recently, health-wise, but I've heard from both of them and they are excited and anxious to be here. I think it'll be a great way to start the game."

Bush senior was admitted to Houston Methodist Hospital on January 14 suffering from bacterial pneumonia. He was released from hospital on Monday.

Former First Lady Barbara Bush was also admitted to the same facility with bronchitis but was released before her husband.

Former President Bush has Parkinson's disease, which has left him in a wheelchair. His is a less-common version of Parkinson's that only affects the lower body.

Bush, who served as commander-in-chief from 1989 to 1993, is the oldest of the five living former US presidents.


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