Family, friends mourn death of Barbara Bush

Family, friends and politicians mourned the death of Barbara Bush Tuesday night, recalling the former first lady for her dedication to her country and family. 

The matriarch of the Bush family, Barbara Bush was the second woman to ever have her husband and son both serve as president. She is remembered by her family for her passion, sense of humor and commitment to causes she was passionate about. 

“Barbara Bush was a fabulous First Lady and a woman unlike any other who brought levity, love, and literacy to millions,” Former President George W. Bush said in a statement. “To us, she was so much more. Mom kept us on our toes and kept us laughing until then.” 

Statement by former President George W. Bush on the passing of his mother, Barbara Bush: pic.twitter.com/AHTsZ7MgaN

— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) April 17, 2018

She served as first lady during the presidency of her husband, George H.W. Bush. Her oldest son was elected president in 2000 and served two terms. 

{mosads}Her younger son, Jeb Bush, served two terms as governor of Florida, and ran an unsuccessful presidential campaign for the Republican nomination in 2016. 

Jeb Bush remembered Barbara Bush as an “exceptionally gracious, gregarious, fun, funny, loving, tough, smart, graceful woman.”

A family spokesman announced Tuesday night that Barbara Bush died at age 92. She had been hospitalized multiple times throughout the past year, and recently decided against seeking additional medical treatment.

President Trump recalled Bush for her commitment to spreading literacy, and as an “advocate of the American family.” He ordered flags be flown at half staff in her honor.

“She will be long remembered for her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served unfailingly well,” Trump said in a statement.

.@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

Vice President Pence praised Bush as an inspiration to others, highlighting her devotion to her family.

Our statement on the passing of Barbara Bush: pic.twitter.com/haIPhDS2bd

— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) April 18, 2018

Former President Bill Clinton, who defeated George H.W. Bush in the 1992 election, said Bush was a “remarkable woman” who was “fierce & feisty in support of her family & friends, her country & her causes.”

“She showed us what an honest, vibrant, full life looks like,” Clinton tweeted.

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

Former President Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama also released a statement.

“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,” they said in a joint statement. 

Former Vice President Joe Biden fondly remembered Bush for her wit, intelligence and love of her family and country.

“Her tireless work as a champion for global literacy will be just one legacy she leaves behind,” Biden said in a statement. “The others will be her unshakeable faith, her devotion to service and her beloved family, in which she instilled that same great love of country and public service.”

Numerous other lawmakers on Tuesday night shared their memories of Barbara Bush and her impact on the country.

Mrs. Bush personified grace and class as First Lady and throughout her life; she will be missed. I send my heartfelt condolences to the Bush Family.

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) April 17, 2018

Former First Lady Barbara Bush was a feisty, fun, and great family person who loved her family and truly made America a better place. She was a dear friend of my mother’s, and I feel honored to have had the chance to know her. Rest in peace.

— Shelley Moore Capito (@SenCapito) April 17, 2018

Our country will be forever grateful & indebted for the impact former First Lady Barbara Bush had on improving literacy in the United States. Lynne & I are praying for President George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, my friend Jeb, and the entire Bush family during this difficult time

— Dean Heller (@SenDeanHeller) April 17, 2018

First Lady Barbara Bush is an American icon & the entire Bush family are in my family’s prayers tonight. Her commitment to public service and love of country was unquestionable. We will all miss Barbara Bush, but her legacy will live on forever.

— Cory Gardner (@SenCoryGardner) April 17, 2018

Barbara Bush was a great First Lady, a terrific advocate for literary programs and the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in Portland, and a strong woman who loved her family, the State of Maine, and our country. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/v320lXwqUy

— Sen. Susan Collins (@SenatorCollins) April 17, 2018