George H W Bush tosses the coin at the Super Bowl

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The former president was struck down with pneumonia for 16 days in January
Bush and his wife Barbara were forced to miss Donald Trump's inauguration
Bush told Trump 'sitting outside in January will likely put me six feet under'
Yesterday was Bush's first public appearance since his hospital release

Published: 08:28 EST, 6 February 2017 | Updated: 09:19 EST, 6 February 2017

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Former President George H.W. Bush tossed the coin before the start of last night's Super Bowl in his first public appearance since spending 16-days in hospital with pneumonia in January.

The 41st president of the US was forced to miss Donald Trump's inauguration as he recovered from his illness, but was fit to take to the field in Houston last night.

The 92-year-old was joined on the pitch before the game by his wife Barbara, who also was taken into hospital for treatment.

President George H.W. Bush was pushed by a Navy sailor onto the field in Houston, Texas

The 92-year-old former president spent 16 days in hospital with pneumonia

The former First Lady stood behind her husband as he tossed the coin at the start of the game

The former President received a huge ovation as he took to the field following his recent battle with pneumonia.

Before Trump's inauguration, he wrote: 'My doctor says if I sit outside in January, it likely will put me six feet under. Same for Barbara. So I guess we're stuck in Texas.

'But we will be with you and the country in spirit. I want you to know that I wish you the very best as you begin this incredible journey of leading our great country. If I can ever be of help, please let me know.'

Bush was also present for the 2002 Super Bowl coin toss ahead of the New England Patriots taking on the St. Louis Rams.

Bush 41 was taken to the hospital on January 14 for shortness of breath and was then treated for pneumonia. Former First Lady Barbara Bush spent five days at the same hospital for treatment of bronchitis. Mrs Bush was released a week earlier.