Former First Lady Barbara Bush passed away yesterday at the age of 92. She was suffering from congestive heart failure and COPD, and had recently decided to end treatment.
Still, the night before her death, her loved ones say she was answering her own calls and drinking bourbon.
Barbara is survived by her husband of 73 years, President George H.W. Bush, plus five children, 17 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and a brother.
In addition to being First Lady from 1989 to 1993, she was the mother of President George W. Bush, who served from 2001 to 2009. Her son Jeb Bush was governor of Florida, and a presidential candidate in 2016.
She was also “second lady”, when her husband was Ronald Reagan’s vice president from 1981 to 1989.
Over the course of her husband’s political career, Barbara championed several charitable causes. Her most prominent work was in literacy, which included founding the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.
She also wrote a few books, including a memoir, and “Millie’s Book”, a behind-the-scenes look at the Bush White House from the perspective of the First Dog.
George W. Bush issued a statement saying, “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.”