Presidents pay tribute after ‘fabulous’ first lady Barbara Bush dies at 92

Not only was she considered a shrewd behind-the-scenes political mind, but an important campaigner for HIV/AIDS awareness, children’s literacy, and civil rights.

Jean Becker, the chief of staff at Mr Bush’s office, said in a statement that the 41st president “is broken-hearted to lose his beloved Barbara”. Her daughter Robin contracted leukaemia and died aged three. Bush is survived by her brother, Scott Pierce, and by children Jeb Bush, Neil Bush, Marvin Bush and Dorothy Bush Koch, as well as 17 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

She’s being remembered as having wicked sense of humour, and being the backbone of a family that changed the United States. “Hillary and I mourn her passing and bless her memory”.

Jenna Bush Hager’s father-in-law, former Virginia Lt. Gov. John Hager, remembers former first lady Barbara Bush as a “marvelous woman”. She was a major influence on husband John Adams, the nation’s second president, but died before son John Quincy Adams was elected president in 1824.

But the Bushes had means and determination, and they fought the death-sentence diagnosis, beginning a months-long ordeal that would have lifelong impacts on a family that would come to include two presidents. Her selfless devotion to service defines the inspiring legacy Barbara has left behind. We especially admired her love for her family and how she inspired others, in her words, ‘to cherish your human connections.’ Mrs.

She was first lady when her husband was in the White House from 1989 to 1993.

In recent years Tanenblatt joined the Bushes in Kennebunkport for her 90th birthday, which served as a fundraiser for her literacy foundation. “I’m not running for president – George Bush is”, she said at the 1988 Republican National Convention, where her husband was nominated. “Bush the most wonderful person in the world”, says George Bush Presidential Library volunteer Mary Smith.

“Rest In Peace, Barbara Bush“. Barbara Bush said that she and her husband never tried to hide their wealth, unlike that “4 million dollar”.

Another former U.S. president, Bill Clinton, said Mrs Bush was “feisty in support of her family and friends, her country and her causes”.

First Ladies dating all the way back to Martha Washington have worn pearls. Ganny put the kibosh on the Eloise act, reminding the young ladies they were in the people’s house, “not in a hotel”. Politicians also flocked to Twitter to share their condolences, with former U.S. President Barack Obama and wife Michelle calling her the “rock of a family dedicated to public service” in their statement.

George Bush spotted his prospective bride when Barbara was 16 at a dance, while both attended exclusive East Coast boarding schools.