Tributes Pour in After Former First Lady Barbara Bush’s Death at Age 92
Former First Lady Barbara Bush, who was married to former President George H.W. Bush and was the mother of former President George W. Bush, died on Tuesday at the age of 92.
George H.W. Bush’s office confirmed her passing, saying in a statement, “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.” Her son George also confirmed her passing, releasing a statement paying tribute to the “woman unlike any other.”
“Laura, Barbara, Jenna, and I are sad, but our souls are settled because we know hers was,” he 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. Our family will miss her dearly, and we thank you all for your prayers and good wishes.”
The news comes just days after the family announced that, after a series of hospitalizations for her failing health, the beloved Bush matriarch would no longer seek medical treatment.
Tributes from politicians and celebrities poured in following the news of Barbara’s passing, including from comedian Ellen DeGeneres, who honored the family literacy advocate for living “an incredible life.”
Barbara Bush lived an incredible life. I’m sending my love to her family.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) April 18, 2018
President Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama shared their family’s condolences via Twitter, as did former President Bill Clinton, whose touching tribute praised the “fierce and feisty” woman who “showed us what an honest, vibrant, full life looks like.”
.@FLOTUS Melania and I join the Nation in celebrating the life of Barbara Bush: pic.twitter.com/4OW72iddQx
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 18, 2018
Our statement on the passing of Former First Lady Barbara Bush: pic.twitter.com/MhTVYCL9Nj
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 18, 2018
Barbara Bush was a remarkable woman. She had grit & grace, brains & beauty. She was fierce & feisty in support of her family & friends, her country & her causes. She showed us what an honest, vibrant, full life looks like. Hillary and I mourn her passing and bless her memory.
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) April 17, 2018
Our thoughts and condolences are with the Bush family.
(photo via Tom Pennington/Getty Images)