REBA MCENTIRE (L) at the todayshow concert series held at the rockerfeller center. New York, USA - 13.05.05 and Former US President GEORGE BUSH (R)

They struck up a firm friendship after regularly trading emails, and used their communication channel to good effect during a baseball game.

She explains, "Senior President Bush is my joke buddy.

"Matter of fact, I was in New York one time during the World Series watching the game, and I saw President Bush and Barbara sitting behind home plate.

"I get on my Treo (personal data phone/email device) and I email him, "Hey, I see you on TV. Have a hot dog for me.'

"I see him elbowing Barbara, and pointing down to his Treo.

"Then he's just working on it. Pretty soon I get a message back from him, 'Wait until so-and-so gets up to bat and I'll wave at you!'"