Barbara Bush dies aged 92 two days after falling seriously ill

Barbara Bush dies aged 92 two days after falling seriously ill

George W Bush has led tributes to his mother, former First Lady Barbara Bush, who has died aged 92 two days after she made the decision to stop medical treatment.

'My dear mother has passed on at age 92. Laura, Barbara, Jenna, and I are sad, but our souls are settled because we know hers was,' the 43rd US president George W Bush said in a joint family statement on Tuesday. 

'Barbara Bush was a fabulous First Lady and a woman unlike any other who brought levity, love, and literacy to millions.'

Bush held the hand of her husband, 41st president George H.W. Bush, all day on Tuesday and had him by her side when she passed away. 

The couple had been married for 73 years.

The snowy-haired first lady brought a grandmotherly style to buttoned-down Washington, often appearing in her trademark fake pearl chokers and displaying no vanity about her white hair and wrinkles.

'What you see with me is what you get. I'm not running for president — George Bush is,' she said at the 1988 Republican National Convention, where her husband was nominated to succeed Ronald Reagan.

Her de*th on Tuesday was announced in a statement from the office of George H.W. Bush.

'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,' it read. 

Funeral services are planned for 11am Saturday at St Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston. She will lie in repose from noon to midnight Friday at the church, and the funeral service is by invitation only. Burial will be on the grounds of the Bush library at Texas A&M university in College Station, about 100 miles northwest of Houston.  

One of her 14 grandchildren, Texas land commissioner George P. Bush, tweeted: 'My grandmother's entire life was focused on others. For my grandfather, she was his top adviser and confidante. For her family, she was a steady, loving and guiding hand. And for her country, she was an inspiration and an example for all.

'My grandmother didn't just live life; she lived it well. And the sorrow of her loss is softened by the knowledge of her impact on our family and our country. I will miss you, Ganny—but know we will see you again.'  

President Donald Trump released a joint statement with First Lady Melania Trump praising Bush's 'unfailing' service to her country and family. he has ordered US flags to be flown at half-staff in her honor.

As a wife, mother, grandmother, military spouse, and former first lady, Mrs Bush was an advocate of the American family. Amongst her greatest achievements was recognizing the importance of literacy as a fundamental family value that requires nurturing and protection. 

'She will be long remembered to her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served unfailingly well.' 

Jeb Bush, who was governor of Florida from 1999 to 2007 and sought the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, said: 'I'm exceptionally privileged to be the son of George Bush and the exceptionally gracious, gregarious, fun, funny, loving, tough, smart, graceful woman.

'Thank you for your prayers, and we look forward to celebrating and honoring her life and contributions to our family and great nation in the coming days.' 

A raft of former presidential couples also paid tributes to Bush as the news of her d*ath emerged on Tuesday evening. 

Bill Clinton praised her as a 'remarkable woman' who had 'grit and grace, brains and beauty', adding: 'She showed us what an honest, vibrant, full life looks like. Hillary and I mourn her passing and bless her memory.'

Barack and Michelle Obama said: 'Barbara Bush was the rock of a family dedicated to public service. We'll always be grateful to Mrs Bush for the generosity she showed to us throughout our time in the White House, but we're even more grateful for the way she lived her life - as a testament to the fact that public service is an important and noble calling; as an example of the humility and decency that reflects the very best of the American spirit.'

39th president Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, said: 'She touched the hearts of millions with her warmth, generosity, and keen wit. The matriarch of a family dedicated to servicing, she urged volunteerism as a way for all citizens to participate in our nation's progress.'

Former President Lyndon Johnson's daughter, Lynda Johnson Robb, said she smiles when she thinks of Barbara Bush, because her candor was always refreshing and her grace was endless.

Robb said Bush's love of family 'never wavered and she was always a true patriot.' She says her family was fortunate to know her and 'will always be grateful for her service to our country.'

Robb's sister, Lucy Baines Johnson, described Bush as a 'no nonsense' devoted mother to her family and the nation and was 'wit, wisdom, honesty, and character on two feet.'