President Trump and first lady Melania Trump praised Barbara Bush for her devotion to her country and family after the former first lady died at the age of 92 on Tuesday.
[Related: Barbara Bush: Her life in photos]
“As a wife, mother, grandmother, military spouse, and former First Lady, Mrs. Bush was an advocate of the American family,” President Trump wrote in a statement.
“Among her greatest achievements was recognizing the importance of literacy as a fundamental family value that requires nurturing and protection,” he said.
Bush “will be long remembered for her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served unfailingly well,” the president added.
.@FLOTUS Melania and I join the Nation in celebrating the life of Barbara Bush: pic.twitter.com/4NzyjxqAFM
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 18, 2018
Melania Trump in a separate statement described Bush “as a woman of strength.”
“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 continued.
Barbara Bush served as first lady from 1989 to 1993 while husband George H.W. Bush was president.
Bush had been battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure, but on Sunday it was revealed that she had decided to focus on comfort care in the face of her declining health.
Bush leaves behind her husband, their five children, 17 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
