Barbara Bush dies: President Trump and wife Melania praise former first lady

Show Caption Hide Caption Remembering former first lady Barbara Bush Former first lady Barbara Bush leaves a legacy of love and literacy.

President Trump and Melania Trump released statements Tuesday night praising former first lady Barbara Bush as "an advocate of the American family." Bush, wife of former president George H.W. Bush and mother of former president George W. Bush, died Tuesday evening in Houston, surrounded by her family. She was 92.

From his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida where he is meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, President Trump said in a statement he and his wife "join the Nation in celebrating the life of Barbara Bush."

The first couple specifically mentioned Bush's devotion to reading: "Amongst her greatest achievements was recognizing the importance of literacy as a fundamental family value that requires nurturing and protection."

In a separate statement released by the White House, Melania Trump said, "Our hearts are with the Bush family as we celebrate the life and mourn the loss of Barbara Bush."

The current first lady remarked on Bush's devotion to "put family and country above all else. Her dedicated service to the American people was matched only by her compassion and love of family."

The Trumps said their thoughts and prayers were with the "family and friends of Mrs. Bush."

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