Barbara Bush Mourned by Family and Admirers: ‘Wonderful Woman Who Inspired Many’

Former First Lady Barbara Bush died on Tuesday evening, and admirers took to social media in droves to pay tribute to her.

The death was first announced by the office of her husband, President 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,” the statement read. “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.”

It continued, “The official funeral schedule will be announced as soon as is practical.”

After the announcement went out, family, friends, fellow political giants and admirers took to social media to mourn her passing. Scroll through to see some of the most notable.

George W. Bush

Her son, President George W. Bush, share done of the most emotional tributes alongside a photo of his parents during happier times.

“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,” George W. wrote. “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.”

He continued, “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.”

 

George P. Bush

George P. Bush, Bush’s grandson and the son of Jeb Bush, also shared a meaningful tribute to the late literacy advocate on Twitter.

“My grandmother’s entire life was focused on others,” George P. wrote. “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.”

He continued, “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.”

Laura Bush

George W.’s wife, Laura Bush, paid tribute to her mother-in-law with a brief but poignant statement. In it, she described Bush as her “role model.”

“I’m missing my mother-in-law and role model tonight,” Laura wrote. “Barbara Bush was a loving mother and grandmother. The world is poorer without her in it. Rest in peace, dear Bar.”

Donald and Melania Trump

The current First Family issued a statement on Tuesday night to “celebrate the life” of Bush.

“As a wife, mother, grandmother, military spouse, and former First Lady, Mrs. Bush was an advocate of the American Family,” President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump wrote. “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.”

 

Barack and Michelle Obama

President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle also issued a statement about Bush that reflected on the guidance she provided them over the years.

“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,” the Obamas wrote.

They continued, “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.”

Bill and Hillary Clinton

The Clintons, who followed the Bushes into the White House, took to Twitter to share a descriptive tribute to “fierce and feisty” First Lady.

“Barbara Bush was a remarkable woman,” Bill and Hillary Clinton wrote. “She had grit [and] grace, brains [and] beauty. She was fierce [and] feisty in support of her family [and] friends, her country [and] her causes. She showed us what an honest, vibrant, full life looks like. Hillary and I mourn her passing and bless her memory.”

Larry King

Outside of the Presidential families, TV personality Larry King shared a throwback photo of himself and the Bushes alongside kind words.

“Our dear Barbara Bush. A grand lady, a great friend,” King wrote. “She made the White House a brighter place. How we will miss you! Rest In Peace.”

Athletes

The mourning spread into the sports community, as well.

Houston Texans player JJ Watt shared a handful of photos with Bush, who he described as “a beautiful light,” over the years.

“You were a beautiful light in this world, and I am forever thankful for your friendship,” Watt wrote.

Golfer Jack Nicklaus shared a lengthy remark, as well as some photos.

“Barbara Bush was one of the greatest women to have ever graced the White House, and my wife Barbara and I loved her,” Nicklaus wrote. “She was genuine, sincere, and helped lead our country with the same gentle strength she used to lead a wonderful family.”

He continued, “Barbara Bush was a tremendous wife, mother, grandmother [and] friend. Always a role model. Always a champion for others. We will miss her greatly. Our love and prayers go out to the Bush family, their extended family, their countless friends, and a nation who adored her.”

Admirers

Countless other admirers also took to Twitter to mourn Bush’s death.

See some of the additional tributes below.

Photo Credit: George Bush Presidential Library and Museum