Politics

Barbara Bush dies age 92 after health battle

Apr 18, 2018

Barbara Bush has passed away at the age of 92. Source: Getty.

Beloved former US first lady Barbara Bush has died at the age of 92, just days after declining further treatment for her medical conditions.

Bush family spokesman Jim McGrath released a statement on Twitter on Tuesday night in America saying that Barbara Pierce Bush was survived by former US president George H.W. Bush, who was her husband of 73 years, as well as five children, 17 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, as well as her brother Scott Pierce.

One of the Bush’s children, George W. Bush, followed his father as US president, while another son, Jeb Bush, made a run for president.

“She was preceded in death by her second child, Pauline Robinson ‘Robin’ Bush, and her siblings Martha Rafferty and James R. Pierce,” the statement said of Mrs Bush. “The official funeral schedule will be announced as soon as is practical.”

Meanwhile, according to the Mail Online, her son George said: “My dear mother has passed on at age 92. Laura, Barbara, Jenna, and I are sad, but our 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.”

Barbara has remained her husband George’s biggest supporter. Getty.

The former first lady was known for her support of family literacy, for which she established a foundation that supported children’s reading programs, as well as those aimed at parents.

It comes after her family confirmed her health was failing just days ago, and she had bravely chosen to quit medical treatment and opt for comfort at home.

The 92-year-old served as First Lady when George H. W. Bush was America’s President between 1989 and 1993. In a statement previously, Barbara’s family confirmed that despite her rapidly declining health, she had opted for “comfort and care”.

“Following a recent series of hospitalisations, and after consulting her family and doctors, Mrs. Bush, now age 92, has decided not to seek additional medical treatment and will instead focus on comfort and care,” a statement read.

“It will not surprise those who know her that Barbara Bush has been a rock in the face of her failing health, worrying not for herself – thanks to her abiding faith – but for others,” the statement continued. “She is surrounded by a family she adores, and appreciates the kind messages and especially the prayers she is receiving.”

Both Barbara and her husband had battled a series of health problems in recent years. The pair were noticeably absent from Donald Trump’s Inauguration last January and were forced to explain themselves. They released a statement at the time, noting they weren’t well.

Statement by the Office of George H. W. Bush on the health of former First Lady Barbara Bush. pic.twitter.com/4csUS6IRKZ

— Jim McGrath (@jgm41) April 15, 2018

“Barbara and I are so sorry we can’t be there for your Inauguration on January 20th,” Bush wrote at the time. “My doctor says if I sit outside in January, it likely will put me six feet under. Same for Barbara. So I guess we’re stuck in Texas.”

Tributes have already begun flooding in from fans, stars and politicians on social media, as they share their memories of the former First Lady.

Bill 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.”

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

Earlier this year, Barbara spoke candidly about her ongoing health issues in Smith College’s alumnae magazine.

“I have had great medical care and more operations than you would believe,” she wrote. “I’m not sure God will recognize me; I have so many new body parts! Also, George Bush has given me the world. He is the best — thoughtful and loving.”