Bush served as first lady alongside her husband, former President George H.W. Bush, from 1989-93.
Former first lady Barbara Bush died Tuesday at the age of 92 at her home in Houston, Texas.
"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," read a statement from the office of Bush's husband, former president George H.W. Bush.
Former president George W. Bush also shared a statement on his mother's death, which read, "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."
Earlier this week, it was announced that the former first lady, who served alongside her husband in the White House from 1989-93, had decided to forgo further medical treatments for her failing health and spend her remaining days with family.
"Following a recent series of hospitalizations, 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 care," said a previous statement from the office of the 41st president.
"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. She is surrounded by a family she adores, and appreciates the many kind messages and especially the prayers she is receiving."
On Monday, Jenna Bush Hager was emotional on the Today show while discussing her grandmother's health struggles.
“She’s a fighter. She's an enforcer,” Hager said, referring to the family's nickname for the matriarch. “We’re grateful for her, for everybody’s prayers and thoughts, and just know the world is better because she’s in it.”
“We are grateful for her. She’s the best grandma anybody could have ever had,” she added.
An outpouring of love and support followed the news of Bush's death, including messages from family, friends and fellow politicians and former first ladies.
"Barbara Bush was a remarkable woman," tweeted former President Bill Clinton. "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."
Prior to the news of Bush's passing, Clinton shared her own tribute on Twitter, writing, "Thinking about Barbara Bush’s legacy of service to our country and the extraordinary family she raised. Thanking her for her many kindnesses to me and my family."
Bush is survived by her husband of 73 years, five children and their spouses, 17 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. See below for more tributes to the former first lady -- who was one of only two women in history to be both the wife and mother of a U.S. president.
The sad news comes after Hollywood has said goodbye to several public figures in recent months, including John Mahoney, David Cassidy, Della Reese,Tom Petty, Hugh Hefner, Shelley Berman, Jerry Lewis and more.
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