Barbara Bush has died at the age of 92, according to the Office of George H.W. Bush.
A spokesman released a statement at 6:37 p.m. Tuesday confirming her passing.
She is survived by her husband of 73 years, George H.W. Bush, as well as her five children, 17 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and her brother.
Funeral arrangements will be announced as soon as possible, the spokesman said.
A family spokesman said Sunday that Barbara Bush was in “failing health” and chose not to seek further medical treatment.
Below are statements from family members and other public figures.
Statement from the Office of George H.W. Bush:
A former First Lady of the United States of America and relentless proponent of family literacy, Barbara Pierce Bush passed away Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at the age of 92. She is survived by her husband of 73 years, President George H.W. Bush; five children and their spouses; 17 grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and her brother, Scott Pierce. She was preceded in death by her second child, Pauline Robinson “Robin” Bush, and her siblings Martha Rafferty and James R. Pierce.
The official funeral schedule will be announced as soon as is practical.
Statement from former President George W. Bush:
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. To us, she was so much more. Mom kept us on our toes and kept us laughing until the end. I’m a lucky man that Barbara Bush was my mother. Our family will miss her dearly, and we thank you all for your prayers and good wishes.
Statement from former Governor Jeb Bush:
Columba and I join every member of the Bush family in offering our sincere gratitude for the outpouring of love and support for my Mom in recent days, and throughout her remarkable life. I’m exceptionally privileged to be the son of George Bush and the exceptionally gracious, gregarious, fun, funny, loving, tough, smart, graceful woman who was the force of nature known as Barbara Bush. Thank you for your prayers, and we look forward to celebrating and honoring her life and contributions to our family and great nation in the coming days.
Statement from Land Commissioner George P. Bush:
My grandmother’s entire life was focused on others. For my grandfather, she was his top adviser and confidante. For her family, she was a steady, loving and guiding hand. And for her country, she was an inspiration and an example for all. My grandmother didn’t just live life; she lived it well. And the sorrow of her loss is softened by the knowledge of her impact on our family and our country. I will miss you, Ganny—but know we will see you again.
Statement from President Donald Trump:
President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump join the Nation in celebrating the life of Barbara Bush. As a wife, mother, grandmother, military spouse, and former First Lady, Mrs. Bush was an advocate of the American family. Amongst her greatest achievements was 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. The President and First Lady’s thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Mrs. Bush.
Statement from former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama:
Barbara Bush was the rock of a family dedicated to public service, and our thoughts and prayers are with both Presidents Bush and the entire Bush family tonight. We’ll always be grateful to Mrs. Bush for the generosity she showed to us throughout our time in the White House, but we’re even more grateful for the way she lived her life – as a testament to the fact that public service is an important and noble calling; as an example of the humility and decency that reflects the very best of the American spirit. She’ll be remembered for passing those American values on to her children, her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren – and to the countless citizens whom she and George inspired to become “points of light” in service to others.
Statement from former President Bill Clinton:
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.
Statement from First Lady Melania Trump:
Our hearts are with the Bush family as we celebrate the life and mourn the loss of Barbara Bush. Throughout her life, she put family and country above all else. Her dedicated service to the American people was matched only by her compassion and love of family. She was a woman of strength and we will always remember her for her most important roles of wife, mother, and First Lady of the United States. My heartfelt condolences and prayers are with the Bush family as we honor her legacy.
Statement from U.S. Senator Ted Cruz:
My prayers are with the Bush family at the passing of their beloved Barbara, an eternal First Lady in the heart of every Texan.
She was as much a public servant as her husband and children: traveling the world as advisor and ambassador, campaigning for adult literacy programs at home, and, of course, making George Senior eat his broccoli. Standing beside him through Congress, the UN, the CIA, and 12 years at the White House, Mrs. Bush approached her public role with a class and grace seldom matched in our nation’s capital.
But it was her private role which she prized above all.
From China to Texas to Washington DC, Barbara Bush worked on a beautiful floral needlepoint rug, stitching together changing times and geography with constant love and support for her family. Her masterpiece eventually graced the floors of the Executive Mansion, making the White House a true home. It was a symbol of her lifelong tapestry of love and service, stronger than executive orders, long hours, and sleepless nights.
In her famous address for the 1990 Commencement at Wellesley College, she reminded graduates to treasure their human connections above worldly concerns:
“At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, winning one more verdict, or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a child, a friend or a parent.”
And at the end of her life, Barbara Bush had no cause for regret.
Indeed, she gave her family, the people of Texas, and all Americans a lifetime worth celebrating.
Statement from U.S. Senator John Cornyn:
Barbara has blessed this nation with her unwavering service, strong moral compass, and trademark sense of humor. Eternally devoted to her faith, family, and country, her legacy in promoting literacy will live on in the families she touched and young minds she helped cultivate. Sandy and I join Texans and the nation in prayer for the entire Bush family tonight.
Statement from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton:
With all of Texas and our nation, I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Barbara Bush. Among her many accomplishments, the former first lady worked tirelessly to promote literacy and was known worldwide for her honor, integrity, sense of humor, and faith. Her strong love for her husband and her family was an encouragement to everyone. Mrs. Bush will be dearly missed, but her legacy will impact generations to come. My deepest sympathy and fervent prayers are with the Bush family as they grieve.
Statement from Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick:
Former First Lady Barbara Bush was an inspiration to all who had the honor of meeting her. Her work to increase literacy, begun during her time in the White House, continues today through the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. It has made a difference in the lives of thousands of people, especially young children. Mrs. Bush was a model of great strength and wit even in the toughest times. She leaves a substantial legacy. The people of Texas and the people of America will miss her.
Statement from the Texas Democratic Party:
This evening, we were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of former First Lady Barbara Bush. Americans are grateful for the First Lady’s grace, poise, and quick wit. Mrs. Bush fought to expand literacy to everyone and leaves behind a powerful legacy that will live on forever. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the entire Bush family many friends during this time.
This story will be updated with statements from officials and family members as they become available.