MOSCOW, December 30 (RIA Novosti) - Germany's Der Spiegel news weekly published in error on Sunday an obituary for former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, describing him as a “colorless politician.”

The magazine's New York correspondent, Marc Pitzke, said Bush’s record only impressed when it was compared to the presidency of his son, George W. Bush, who served two terms from 2001-2009.

The unfinished obituary appeared on Der Spiegel's website for a few minutes before it was noticed by Internet users and removed, The Associated Press reported.

Bush, who was president from 1989-1993, has been in and out of hospital since November 23 after developing a bronchitis-related cough. 

At 88, Bush is the oldest living US president.