Tributes to former US first lady Barbara Bush, 92

US presidents past and present have paid tribute to Barbara Bush after she died at the age of 92.

George HW Bush held the hand of his wife all day and was by her side when she died in Houston, a spokesman said.

Jean Becker, the chief of staff at Mr Bush’s office, said in a statement that the 41st president “is broken-hearted to lose his beloved Barbara”.

Ms Becker said it’s a “very challenging time” for 93-year-old Mr Bush, but “he also is stoic and strong, and is being lifted up by his large and supportive family”.

The Bushes’ son, 43rd president George W Bush, said the family’s “souls are settled because we know hers was”.

A spokesman said Mrs Bush died on Tuesday. A statement on Sunday had said she had decided to terminate medical treatment for assorted ailments and would seek comfort therapy instead.

In his statement, George W Bush called his mother “a fabulous first lady and a woman unlike any other who brought levity, love and literacy to millions”.

He said his mother “kept us on our toes and kept us laughing until the end”.

Jimmy Carter paid tribute to Mrs Bush’s “warmth, generosity and keen wit”.

The former Democratic president said she was “the matriarch of a family dedicated to serving”.