Former First Lady Barbara Bush passed away at the age of 92 last night. Her passing comes shortly after an announcement from the family that her health was declining and rather than seek medical treatment, she opted for “comfort care.
After her passing, reaction began to pour in and many figures began to share their thoughts and prayers with the Bush family. Her husband, and former President, George H. W. Bush was was “broken-hearted” over the loss of his “beloved Barbara” and was said to have held her hand all day, according to Fox News.
Her son, and former President, George W. Bush released the following statement on Facebook accompanied by a photo of his mother and father.
Flags in Mississippi and across the country will be flown at half-staff in remembrance of the former First Lady. The proclamation was signed into action by Lt. Governor Tate Reeves serving as acting Governor while Governor Phil Bryant is in London.
“Barbara Bush served our nation as First Lady with grace, honor and humor,” Reeves said. “She and President Bush were dear friends with the late Congressman Sonny Montgomery and several Mississippi leaders. She loved the people of Mississippi, and the people of Mississippi loved her back.”
On his Facebook page, Governor Bryant reacted to Bush’s passing and shared his thoughts and prayers with the Bush family.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Bush family with the passing of Barbara Bush. She was a champion of family literacy and the embodiment of class and grace. Tonight, she walks the streets of glory,” Governor Bryant said.
Bryant was accompanied by many other Mississippi leaders to send their condolences to the family and express the gratitude to Barbara Bush for the many years of service to the Country, including Senator Roger Wicker.
“Former First Lady Barbara Bush has passed away after an extraordinary and full life. As the wife of our 41st President and the mother of our 43rd President, Mrs. Bush has made a lasting impact on our nation. Her strength, courage, humor, and dedication to her family were an inspiration to all Americans. Gayle and I, on behalf of all Mississippians, send our deepest sympathies and prayers for the entire Bush family,” Wicker said.
Only Barbara Bush and Abigail Adams were both the wife and mother of U.S. presidents.
