'The rock of a family dedicated to public service' who had 'grit & grace, brains & beauty': Trump, Obama and Bill Clinton pay tribute to Barbara Bush after former First Lady dies aged 92

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Former First Lady Barbara Bush died Tuesday, April 17 at the age of 92

Former presidents, politicians and many other public figures are offering their condolences and sharing kind words about Barbara Bush.

The former First Lady died Tuesday night at the age of 92, her husband, 41st president George H.W. Bush said in a statement. 

Her death comes two days after Bush fell seriously ill and refused medical treatment.   

Shortly after news of Bush's passing, president Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump released a statement calling Bush 'an advocate of the American family'.      

'Melania and I 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,' Trump tweeted. 

The President has ordered that US flags be flown at half-staff in her honor. 

'As a wife, mother, grandmother, military spouse, and former First Lady, Mrs. Bush was an advocate of the American family,' president Donald Trump said in a statement 

'Amongst her greatest achievements was recognizing the importance of literacy as a fundamental family value that requires nurturing and protection,' Trump tweeted

'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,' former president Barack Obama and wife Michelle Obama said in a joint statement. The Obamas are pictured wit Barbara Bush in Dallas in April 2013 

'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,' the Obamas said 

Former president Bill Clinton also released a statement on Bush's death writing that she was a 'remarkable woman' who had 'grit & grace, brains & beauty'. Clinton is pictured above with (L-R) Hillary Clinton, Barbara Bush and George H.W. Bush at the White House in July 1995 

'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,' the Clinton's statement read 

Jeb Bush, pictured at the West Running Brook Middle School in New Hampshire in February 2016 with his mother, thanked everyone for their prayers and support 

Jeb Bush said in a statement the family looks forward to 'celebrating and honoring' Barbara Bush's life 

'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.' 

Former president Bill Clinton also released a statement on Bush's death writing that she was a 'remarkable woman' who had 'grit & grace, brains & beauty'.    

'She was fierce & feisty in support of her family & friends, her country & her causes,' he continued. 'She showed us what an honest, vibrant, full life looks like. Hillary and I mourn her passing and bless her memory.' 

Barack Obama and wife Michelle Obama thanked Bush for the generosity she showed while they were in the White House.     

'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,' the former president and First Lady said in a joint statement. 

'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.'

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also offered kind words to the Bush family and the American people. In a statement posted on Twitter, Trudeau said Bush was always a friend to his country and leaves a legacy of 'dignity, grace, service and devotion to family'.     

'Sophie and I send our deepest condolences to Presidents George H.W. and George W. Bush, their family, and to all Americans,' he said.  

Jimmy Carter, 39th president of the US, and his wife Rosalyn Carter said Bush 'touched the hearts of millions with her warmth, generosity, and keen wit'.

Former president George H.W. Bush announced his wife's death in a statement Tuesday night. The couple is pictured above during a 2003 interview with Good Morning America 

In a statement, George W. Bush called his mother a 'fabulous First Lady and a woman unlike any other'

'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,' her grandson George P. Bush tweeted 

He added: 'For her country, she was an inspiration and an example for all. My grandmother didn't just live life; she lived it well'

The Carters went on to praise Bush for being the 'matriarch of a family dedicated to serving'. 

'She urged volunteerism as a way for all citizens to participate in our nation's progress,' the statement read. 'Through her own work to promote literacy as a value in every American home, countless families now have the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in all aspects of their lives. She will be missed.'

Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney tweeted that he would miss Bush's friendship, compassion and 'the twinkle in her eye'. 

'Barbara raised a family of service & character, stood by her beloved husband in the best & worst of time, and spoke her convictions with courage & passion,' he posted. 'The great First Lady of our times.' 

Dozens of other tributes continued to pour in Tuesday night with many people praising Bush for her grace and dedication to the country.  

'Barbara Bush was a great lady and a dear friend. Her passing is a terrible loss for the Bush family, the Sununu family and for all America. Nancy and I extend our deepest sympathy and prayers to the President and all the Bush family,' tweeted John H. Sununu, former New Hampshire governor and chief of staff to president George H.W. Bush.  

NASA tweeted photo of Bush and George H.W. Bush calling astronauts in space from Mission Control in Houston in 2007

'Throughout her life, Barbara Bush showed us all the importance of charity, literacy, and love of country. Our thoughts are with the entire Bush family as they mourn her passing. Rest In Peace,' Apple CEO Tim Cook wrote on Twitter. 

Even NASA offered their condolences, tweeting a photo of Bush and George H.W. Bush calling astronauts in space from Mission Control in Houston in 2007. 

'We're saddened by the loss of former First Lady Barbara Bush,' NASA wrote.  

Bush is survived by her husband, George H.W. Bush; her five children, including former president George W. Bush; her 17 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; and brother, Scott Pierce.  

In a statement, George W. Bush called his mother a 'fabulous First Lady and a woman unlike any other'.     

Apple CEO Tim Cook thanked Barbara Bush for her 'charity, literacy and love of country' 

Scott Walker, the governor of Wisconsin, also tweeted his condolences to the Bush family Tuesday night 

Barbara Bush was a great lady and a dear friend. Her passing is a terrible loss for the Bush family, the Sununu family and for all America, John H. Sununu, former New Hampshire governor and chief of staff to president George H.W. Bush tweeted 

Paul Ryan shared a lengthy statement on Twitter saying Bush held a 'revered place in the hearts of generations of Americans' 

Mitt Romney: 'Barbara raised a family of service & character, stood by her beloved husband in the best & worst of times, and spoke her convictions with courage & passion' 

Al Gore also shared his sentiments and condolences to the Bush family following the death of Barbara Bush 

Funeral services are planned for 11am Saturday at St Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston. She will lie in repose from noon to midnight Friday at the church, and the funeral service is by invitation only. Burial will be on the grounds of the Bush library at Texas A&M university in College Station, about 100 miles northwest of Houston 

'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,' he said. 

Bush's other son Jeb Bush, who was the governor of Florida, added: '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.

Jenna Bush Hager posts a touching tribute to 'Ganny' Barbara Bush with a cute throwback photo

Jenna Bush Hager has paid an emotional tribute to her grandmother, former First Lady Barbara Bush, who died at the age of 92.

Mrs Bush passed away on Tuesday night, her husband, 41st president George H.W. Bush said in a statement, two days after falling seriously ill and refusing medical treatment.

Tributes were led by Donald and Melania Trump who described her as 'an advocate of the American family'.

Jenna Bush Hager with her 'Ganny' Barbara and 'Gampy' George H.W Bush. As well as paying tribute to her grandmother, she also said her thoughts were with the former President

Barack Obama and wife Michelle Obama thanked Bush for the generosity she showed while they were in the White House while Bill Clinton praised 'remarkable woman' who had 'grit & grace, brains & beauty'.

Jenna Bush Hager too joined in the tributes, posting a picture of her with her grandparents on Instagram.

�?I already miss this FORCE of a woman— the “enforcer” because she was the glue that held our family together. She taught me to use my voice but also to value the opinions of others,’ the 36-year-old NBC News correspondent said.

�?She adored her friends and family; her loyalty was unwavering. Humor helps, she often said and it does, Gans, but I will miss your laugh terribly.

'She adored my Gampy, the first man she ever kissed; their love story is so engrained in the history of our family.

Jenna and her twin sister Barbara with Mrs Bush. She described her grandmother as the 'glue' of the family

�?Thinking of my Gampy tonight —no doubt missing his beloved desperately. Gans, people stopped me all the time to tell me how much they loved you. I didn’t mind sharing you with them. I love you more than tongue can tell, my Ganny.’

On Monday, as her Mrs Bush’s condition began to deteriorate, Jenna spoke about her grandmother on the TODAY show, saying she and twin sister Barbara talked to her at the weekend

�?We are grateful for her. She is the best grandma anybody could have ever had or have. Barbara and I talked to her last night. She’s in great spirits, and she’s a fighter, she’s an enforcer."

�?We’re grateful for her, for everybody’s prayers and thoughts, and just know the world is better because she’s in it."

She also spoke about the relationship between her grandmother add grandfather, former president George H. W. Bush, �?the man she's loved for over 73 years’.

�?They are surrounded by family, but I think the fact that they’re together in this and he still says, “I love you, Barbie” every night is pretty remarkable," she said.

Jenna and Barbara’s father, George W. Bush called his mother a 'fabulous First Lady and a woman unlike any other'.

'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.'   

'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.' 

Her grandson and Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office George P. Bush said in a statement:  '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.' 

Funeral services are planned for 11am Saturday at St Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston. She will lie in repose from noon to midnight Friday at the church, and the funeral service is by invitation only. Burial will be on the grounds of the Bush library at Texas A&M university in College Station, about 100 miles northwest of Houston.