Grandchild: Barbara Bush ‘a fighter,’ in good spirits

HOUSTON — Former first lady Barbara Bush, who was reported in “failing health” over the weekend, is in “great spirits,” and the family is grateful for “everybody’s prayers and thoughts,” her granddaughter said Monday.

Bush family spokesman Jim McGrath said Monday that she suffered in recent years from congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. She also has been treated for decades for Graves’ disease, a thyroid condition.

Jenna Bush Hager, an anchor on NBC’s “Today” show, told the program Monday morning that Bush is resting comfortably with family.

“She’s a fighter. She’s an enforcer,” Hager said, using the family’s nickname for Bush. “We’re grateful for her, for everybody’s prayers and thoughts, and just know the world is better because she is in it.”