HOUSTON – State and local leaders are sharing their condolences on the passing of former first lady Barbara Pierce Bush

Mrs. Bush died at the age of 92 surrounded by her family on Tuesday, April 17. The news was confirmed by family spokesman Jim McGrath. 

Almost immediately, Texas lawmakers and leaders across the country began sharing their thoughts.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott:

“Barbara Bush dedicated her life to helping others. As only the second woman in history to be both the wife and mother of U.S. presidents, Barbara had a unique and profound impact on our country. Spearheading the fight against illiteracy, she created the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, working to improve the lives of those less fortunate through education. Her selfless devotion to service defines the inspiring legacy Barbara has left behind. Her impact on Texas and our nation will forever be treasured. Cecilia and I extend our deepest condolences to President George H.W. Bush and the entire Bush family during this difficult time. We ask that all Texans join us in keeping them in their thoughts and prayers as they mourn the passing of a devoted wife, mother, and public servant.”

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton:

“With all of Texas and our nation, I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Barbara Bush. Among her many accomplishments, the former first lady worked tirelessly to promote literacy and was known worldwide for her honor, integrity, sense of humor, and faith. Her strong love for her husband and her family was an encouragement to everyone. Mrs. Bush will be dearly missed, but her legacy will impact generations to come. My deepest sympathy and fervent prayers are with the Bush family as they grieve.”  

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas:

“My prayers are with the Bush family at the passing of their beloved Barbara, an eternal First Lady in the heart of every Texan. She was as much a public servant as her husband and children: traveling the world as advisor and ambassador, campaigning for adult literacy programs at home, and, of course, making George Senior eat his broccoli. Standing beside him through Congress, the UN, the CIA, and 12 years at the White House, Mrs. Bush approached her public role with a class and grace seldom matched in our nation’s capital. But it was her private role which she prized above all. From China to Texas to Washington DC, Barbara Bush worked on a beautiful floral needlepoint rug, stitching together changing times and geography with constant love and support for her family. Her masterpiece eventually graced the floors of the Executive Mansion, making the White House a true home. It was a symbol of her lifelong tapestry of love and service, stronger than executive orders, long hours, and sleepless nights. In her famous address for the 1990 Commencement at Wellesley College, she reminded graduates to treasure their human connections above worldly concerns:

‘At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, winning one more verdict, or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a child, a friend or a parent.’

And at the end of her life, Barbara Bush had no cause for regret. Indeed, she gave her family, the people of Texas, and all Americans a lifetime worth celebrating.”

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas:

“Barbara has blessed this nation with her unwavering service, strong moral compass, and trademark sense of humor,” said Sen. Cornyn. “Eternally devoted to her faith, family, and country, her legacy in promoting literacy will live on in the families she touched and young minds she helped cultivate.  Sandy and I join Texans and the nation in prayer for the entire Bush family tonight.”

Congressman Roger Williams, R-TX District 25:

"I join my fellow Americans in mourning the loss of former First Lady Barbara Bush. She wore many titles throughout her time on this Earth - wife, mother, grandmother, literacy advocate, First Lady - but for me, her best title was simply 'proud American.'  She possessed an old-fashioned love of country and service to others. She believed that America was a great nation because of its good people, and she inspired us all to love America and to give back. Our country is better because of Mrs. Bush; she will always be missed, but she will never be forgotten."

Sen. Donna Campbell, R-TX District 25:

"Words cannot express the affection and admiration so many of us held for Barbara Bush. She inspired us as Texans, as women, and as statesmen. Tonight I join the Bush family in grieving the loss of this remarkable woman and former first lady. There is no doubt that Americans of all political persuasions were touched by Mrs. Bush's dignity, grace, and life of extraordinary public service. She has left us all with something to aspire to."

Sen. Dawn Buckingham, R-TX District 24:

"Today, America lost one of its most special treasures. Barbara Bush inspired so many, was admired by all and will be truly missed. She taught us there is a place for class in politics, that women have a strong voice that should be heard and that every opinion counts. May she Rest In Peace. We are thankful for the many blessings she leaves behind."