UPDATE 1-President Bush to hold final press conference

WASHINGTON, Jan. 12 (Reuters) - President George W. Bush will hold his last official press conference at 9:15 a.m. EDT/1415 GMT on Monday, the White House said.

"The president will make a brief opening statement, commenting on the important role the White House press corps has in covering presidents and the White House," White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said.

Bush's term ends on Jan. 20, when Barack Obama is sworn in as the next U.S. president.