Former US First Lady Barbara Bush Dies At 92

Former US first lady and literacy campaigner, Barbara Bush, has died at the age of 92.

She was the matriarchal figure of a political dynasty that included two presidents, her husband George HW Bush and son, George W Bush.

Mrs Bush, who was first lady from 1989 to 1993, had been in failing health for some time and had declined further medical treatment.

Her husband, George HW Bush at 93, is the longest-lived US president. Their son, George, was elected in 2000 and served two terms as the nation’s 43rd president.

Her son, George Bush said in a statement: “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.”

Mr Bush added that his mother had “kept us on our toes and kept us laughing until the end”, adding: “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.”

A statement from the office of her husband described her as a “relentless proponent of family literacy”.

Tributes has been poring in from across the US political establishment.