George W. Bush on mother’s death: I’m at peace because she was at peace

Former President George W. Bush said on Wednesday that he is “at peace” with the death of his mother, former first lady Barbara Bush. 

“I hope you don’t feel sorry for any of us, particularly me,” Bush said in remarks at his presidential center near Dallas. “I am at peace with what took place, and the reason why is my mother was at peace for what took place.”

The former president’s comments came days after the Bush family announced that Barbara Bush would stop seeking medical treatment for chronic health issues. The former first lady had been hospitalized several times throughout the year over complications involving chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure.

She died on Tuesday at the age of 92.

Bush issued a statement shortly after his mother’s death late Tuesday, in which he celebrated the former first lady’s life and said that her soul was “settled.”

“Barbara Bush was a fabulous First Lady and a woman unlike any other who brought levity, love, and literacy to millions. To us, she was so much more,” 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.”

Barbara Bush is survived by her husband, former President George H.W. Bush; five children; 17 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.