State funerals are largely a somber affair, but an interaction between former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush took the Internet by storm on Thursday.
Both former presidents sat in the second row for former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC.
Video showed both US leaders arriving for the event where Bush greeted Obama in a way that made the Internet scream “bromance.”
Obama was the first to be pictured greeting former vice presidents in the row behind him before taking his seat next to President-elect Trump.
When Bush shows up to get in line, Obama stands up to let him and former First Lady Laura Bush pass.
At that point, Bush gave his successor a friendly pat on the stomach before the couple took their seats to Obama’s left.
The playful moment did not go unnoticed by those watching coverage of the meeting of some of the current and former most powerful American leaders in the world.
Former Presidents Obama and George W. Bush share a laugh with former First Lady Laura Bush
Funerals for former presidents are among the rare occasions when former presidents come together, and all eyes were on Carter’s funeral to see how the group of often rivals on the campaign trail would evolve.
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Bush and Obama were also spotted laughing and at one point giving a more formal handshake, but people enjoyed their first greeting.
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Another said, “Gotta love a playful Texan,” while several called them “bros” and praised their fun interaction.
Fans of the exchange pointed out that Bush has long been known for his relatable interactions that included politics aside from his success as a political candidate and then president.
Former Presidents Obama and Bush formally shake hands during the state funeral of former President Jimmy Carter
During the funeral, Obama and Trump also shared a laugh as the president-elect repeatedly leaned forward to address his predecessor, who sat to his right.
Obama also spoke, shaking hands with former President Pence and Second Lady Karen who sat behind him.
The lighthearted Bush-Obama moment reminded onlookers watching the state funeral of the tender and playful conversations Bush had with former First Lady Michelle Obama when they were seen together in public.
Bush has said that he and Mrs. Obama became friends because they were always “stuck” together at funerals and he would make jokes.
During the state funeral of his own father, former President George HW Bush in 2018, Bush Jr. made a point of giving Michelle Obama a piece of candy.
Bush reached past two three people to greet former First Lady Michelle Obama at the funeral of his father, former President George HW Bush in 2018
Mrs. Obama was not present with her husband on Thursday to greet her friend Bush at Carter’s state funeral.
CNN reported that she had a scheduling conflict and was in Hawaii for an extended vacation.
A spokesperson for the former first lady said in a statement that she is sending her thoughts and prayers to the Carter family.