Having witnessed Barack Obama take over charge as the 44th President of the United States of America, George Bush and wife Laura departed the White House for a helicopter ride to Texas.
Coverage: Celebrating Obama
A departure ceremony, hosted by President Obama, was held at the Andrews Air Force Base outside Washington, DC.
According to media reports, Bush will take part in a welcome-home ceremony in Midland, Texas, before heading to his ranch in Crawford. There will be another welcome-home ceremony in Waco, Texas.
The Bushes will eventually live in Dallas, but their house in that city is not yet ready, the report said.
Following White House tradition, Bush is believed to have left a personal letter for Obama. According to a CNN report, past letters have offered the new President private words of advice and reflection.
Earlier in the day, in his final acts of clemency, Bush commuted the prison sentences of two former US border patrol agents whose convictions for shooting a Mexican drug dealer ignited fierce debate about illegal immigration.
Bush leaves Washington as one of the nation's most unpopular and divisive presidents after a eight-year rule.
Image: Former US President George W Bush and former first lady Laura Bush wave before departing the US Capitol by helicopter.
Photograph: John Moore/Pool/Reurters
