Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Former President George H.W. Bush's newly-bald head was revealed Wednesday, and now he's opening up about why he took it all off.
Bush shaved his head this week to show solidarity with Patrick, the 2-year-old son of a member of his security detail who lost his hair during treatment for leukemia.
Members of Bush's Secret Service detail also showed their support by going bald.
“A lot of the agents shaved their head,” Bush said on the Today show. “I said, ‘Well why not me?’ It was the right thing to do.”
NBC reports Patrick's parents Alexandra and Jon, whose last name has been withheld at the family's request, released a statement on the gesture.
“We are humbled and honored by the support and generosity that President and Mrs. Bush and our Secret Service family have shown towards our son... and are so very grateful for the outpouring of love and support from all over the country," the couple said.
Patrick's parents weren't the only ones moved by Bush's actions. Former First Lady Barbara Bush said she was "shocked, surprised and thrilled" over her husband's bald head.
"I think he looks beautiful and looks younger," she told NBC.
Click here for more from NBC. For more information on Patrick and his battle with cancer, click here.
Before You Go
