Presidents, first ladies, and many others who knew Barbara Bush are praising her devotion to the nation, her family, and literacy. Mrs. Bush was the country’s First Lady from 1989 to 1993, while her husband, George H.W. Bush, served as President of the United States. Mrs. Bush passed away at her home in Houston, Texas, yesterday. She was 92 years old.
While First Lady, Mrs. Bush promoted literacy as her official platform. President Donald Trump called her focus to promote reading for all one of Mrs. Bush’s greatest achievements. He commended her for “recognizing the importance of literacy as a fundamental family value that requires nurturing and protection. She will be long remembered for her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served unfailingly well.”
George H.W. Bush was at his wife’s side when she died and held her hand all day Tuesday, according to Jean Becker, chief of staff at the former president’s office in Houston.
Their son, former President George W. Bush, said his family’s “souls are settled because we know hers was.”
“Barbara Bush was a fabulous First Lady and a woman unlike any other who brought levity, love, and literacy to millions,” he said. “To us, she was so much more.”
A funeral is planned Saturday at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston, which the Bushes regularly attended.
(AP Photo: In this 1990 photo, First Lady Barbara Bush poses with her dog Millie in Washington, D.C. The former First Lady passed away yesterday at age 92.)
