Ex-First Lady, first mother Barbara Bush dies at 92
Barbara Pierce Bush, the admired wife of one US president and a loyal mother of another, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 92 at her home in Houston.
Her husband George Herbert Walker Bush, the former US president and her son George Walker Bush, also a former president, were by her side along with other family members when she breathed her last.
"A former First Lady of the United States of America and relentless proponent of family literacy, Barbara Pierce Bush passed away Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at the age of 92," said a statement from the office of her husband. The beloved Bush family matriarch was remembered by her husband, children and grandchildren following her death.
Son and former President George W Bush released a statement saying his "dear mother" had passed away and that the family would "miss her dearly".
Former President Bush said that his mother "kept us on our toes and kept us laughing until the end". Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush in a statement said that he was "exceptionally privileged" to be her son.
George H W Bush was "broken-hearted" to lose his wife, his chief of staff Jean Becker said.
"He held her hand all day today and was at her side when [she] left this good earth," Becker said.
George W Bush and Jeb Bush detailed how lucky they were to have Barbara as their mother in statements.
"Laura, Barbara, Jenna, and I are are sad, but our souls are settled because we know hers was," George W Bush said. Funeral arrangements would be announced as soon as is practical, the statement said. She is survived by her husband, five children — including former President George W Bush — and her brother Scott Pierce, as well as 17 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
In another statement issued by his campaign, Trump said the former First Lady will always be remembered for bringing strength and dignity to the White House, the Presidency, and America.
She also wrote multiple children's books and published a memoir – Barbara Bush: A Memoir and Reflections: Life After the White House – in 2003. In 1992 she also authored Millie's Book, written from the perspective of the first dog.