WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush is set to hail former President Gerald Ford as a man who exemplified "the best of America" in a ten-minute eulogy to be delivered at 10:45 a.m. ET, according to White House spokesperson Emily Lawrimore.

"In President Ford, the world saw the best of America -- and America found a man whose character and leadership would bring calm and healing to one of the most divisive moments in our nation's history," the president will say, according to prepared remarks made available to CNN.

Bush's eulogy will emphasize "President Ford's character throughout his life and his leadership during a divisive moment in our nation's history," Lawrimore told CNN.

"Gerald Ford assumed the presidency when the nation needed a leader of character and humility -- and we found it in the man from Grand Rapids," Bush will say. "President Ford's time in office was brief -- but history will long remember the courage and common sense that helped restore trust in the workings of democracy."

Bush is also expected to meet privately with Betty Ford, the president's widow, and the Ford family at the National Cathedral before the service this morning, a senior administration official told CNN.