Tributes to late first lady Barbara Bush poured in from throughout the world on Tuesday shortly after her death.
“Melania and I join the Nation in celebrating the life of Barbara Bush,” President Trump tweeted.
George P. Bush, son of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, said he’ll always remember his grandmother’s tireless devotion to others.
“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,” he said in a statement.
“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.”
Former President Bill Clinton, who defeated her husband, George H.W. Bush, in 1992, said the former first lady was a combo of “grit & grace.”
“Barbara Bush was a remarkable woman,” Clinton said. “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.”
Bush and her husband were the most famous retirees in Houston. They attended Houston Astros baseball games and flipped the coin at Super Bowl LI, when it was played at Houston’s NRG Stadium last year.
“Rest In Peace Mrs. Barbara Bush,” wrote J.J. Watt of the NFL’s Houston Texans. “You were a beautiful light in this world and I am forever thankful for your friendship.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called Barbara Bush “always a friend to Canada.”
“Barbara Bush leaves a legacy of dignity, grace, service and devotion to family,” wrote Trudeau, whose dad, Pierre Trudeau, was prime minister of Canada for three and a half years of George H.W. Bush’s time as vice president.
“Sophie and I send our deepest condolences to Presidents George H.W. and George W. Bush, their family, and to all Americans.”
Maria Shriver, the daughter of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and a former first lady of California, tweeted a famous 1994 photo of Barbara Bush seated next to five other first ladies — Nancy Reagan, Lady Bird Johnson, Hillary Clinton, Betty Ford and Rosalynn Carter.
“Barbara Bush served her country with class. She served her family with love and compassion. I’m grateful I knew her,” Shriver wrote. “And as an American, I’m grateful for her service. My heart goes out to her husband, children, great-grandchildren and the entire crew. A life beautifully lived.”
