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Former first lady Barbara Bush, 92, died Tuesday evening, according to the office of former President George H.W. Bush.
Statement by the Office of @GeorgeHWBush on the passing of Barbara Pierce Bush this evening at the age of 92. pic.twitter.com/c6JU0xy6Vc
— Jim McGrath (@jgm41) April 17, 2018
Bush had reportedly been in failing health, and her husband’s office released a statement this weekend indicating that the former first lady had “decided not to seek additional medical treatment and will focus on comfort care” following a series of recent hospitalizations.
“It will not surprise those who know her that Barbara Bush has been a rock in the face of her failing health, worrying not for herself — thanks to her abiding faith — but for others,” the statement read. “She is surrounded by a family she adores, and appreciates the many kind messages and especially the prayers she is receiving.”
Bush was the widely admired matriarch of one of America’s most famous political families. Barbara and George H.W. Bush had been married for 73 years and are the parents of former President George W. Bush and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.
Bush was a passionate literacy advocate, a cause she championed in the White House and throughout her life. “I had the best job in America,” she wrote in a 1994 memoir about her time as first lady. “Every single day was interesting, rewarding, and sometimes just plain fun.”
In a statement, former president George W. Bush said, “Mom kept us on our toes and kept us laughing until the end. I’m a lucky man that Barbara Bush was my mother.”
Statement by President George W. Bush on the passing of Mrs. Barbara Bush: https://t.co/PwYs9SHwo3 pic.twitter.com/FZMcRwv0Ve
— George W. Bush Presidential Center (@TheBushCenter) April 18, 2018
Jeb Bush said in a statement that he was “exceptionally privileged to be the son of George Bush and the exceptionally gracious, gregarious, fun, funny, loving, tough, smart, graceful woman who was the force of nature known as Barbara Bush.”
The news of Bush’s passing was met with an outpouring of remembrances and support for her family.
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania offered their condolences in a statement. The former first lady, the statement read, will be “long remembered for her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served unfailingly well.”
.@FLOTUS Melania and I join the Nation in celebrating the life of Barbara Bush: pic.twitter.com/4NzyjxqAFM
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 18, 2018
President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama said Bush represented “the humility and decency that reflects the American spirit.”
Our statement on the passing of Former First Lady Barbara Bush: pic.twitter.com/MhTVYCL9Nj
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 18, 2018
Former president Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton described the former first lady as “fierce and feisty in support of her family and friends, her country and her causes.”
Former President Clinton and Secretary Clinton on passing of Barbara Bush: "Barbara Bush was a remarkable woman. She had grit and grace, brains and beauty. She was fierce and feisty in support of her family and friends, her country and her causes." https://t.co/qQ4Yl4TlRr pic.twitter.com/9NMxmhf4PT
— NBC News (@NBCNews) April 18, 2018
Other politicians and prominent figures, in the US and across the world, celebrated the former first lady’s life and accomplishments.
When I first met Barbara Bush in 1988 as she entertained spouses of congressional candidates at the @VP Residence, her sage advice and words of encouragement touched my life in a profound way. Since becoming Second Lady, she has become a trusted friend. I will miss her. pic.twitter.com/xmJzUQHVhI
— Karen Pence (@SecondLady) April 18, 2018
First Lady Barbara Bush was a remarkable, passionate public servant who represented our country with the utmost grace and dignity. Sending my condolences and prayers to the entire Bush family.
— Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) April 18, 2018
Barbara Bush holds a revered place in the hearts of generations of Americans. She so loved her family and our country. She led both with clarity and character. To Mrs. Bush’s family, I extend the deepest condolences of the whole House. May she rest in eternal peace. pic.twitter.com/Jy7zifU7gK
— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) April 18, 2018
Always a friend to Canada, Barbara Bush leaves a legacy of dignity, grace, service and devotion to family. Sophie and I send our deepest condolences to Presidents George H.W. and George W. Bush, their family, and to all Americans.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 18, 2018
Rest In Peace Mrs. Barbara Bush.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) April 17, 2018
You were a beautiful light in this world and I am forever thankful for your friendship. pic.twitter.com/yuZvQ7o8aH
Bush’s funeral will be held at St. Martin’s Church in Houston, Texas, where the former first lady and her husband were parishioners, according to ABC News 13. A public visitation will be held on Friday in Houston, followed by a private service on Saturday.