Former first lady Barbara Bush dead at the age of 92
BARBARA Bush has died at the age of 92 after a long battle with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), it has been confirmed.
Former first lady Barbara Bush dies aged 92
The office of former President George H.W. Bush released a statement that declared the former fist lady had passed.
It read: "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.”
Mrs Bush was the only woman to see both her husband and son sworn in as US President.
The former first lady recently declared she did not want to go back into hospital for treatment.
A statement detailed her decision and labelled her a “rock in the face of failing health”.
It read: “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.”
The former fist lady had been sent to hospital repeatedly while battling COPD, otherwise known as congestive heart failure.
Back in January last year both Barbara and her husband were admitted to hospital at the same time.
She was suffering from bronchitis while the 41st president of the United States was being treated for pneumonia.
The former first lady served alongside her husband in the White House from 1989 to 1993.
Mrs Bush was born on June 8, 1925, in New York City.
She had been married to her husband for 73 years.
The couple were engaged before her husband left to fly in World War 2.
They had their wedding on January 6, 1945.
Donald Trump has ordered that American flags fly at half-staff on Saturday in honour of the former first lady.
A statement detailing the decision read: “As a mark of respect for the memory of Barbara Bush, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, on the day of interment.
“I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.”