Tributes pour in for 'force of a woman' Barbara Bush

By Madison Park, CNN

Updated 8:56 AM EDT, Wed April 18, 2018

(CNN) From her family to those in the political world, many had words of praise and respect for former first lady Barbara Bush, who died at the age of 92.

Here are some of the condolences and reactions to her passing.

Family

"I'm missing my mother-in-law and role model tonight," tweeted former first lady Laura Bush.

"The world is poorer without her in it."

Former President George W. Bush's Instagram account contained a photo of his parents.

"Laura, Barbara, Jenna, and I are sad, but our souls are settled because we know hers was," he 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. To us, she was so much more. Mom kept us on our toes and kept us laughing until the end. 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.

Barbara Bush remembered for 'devotion to country and family'

George P. Bush, Bush's grandson tweeted: "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."

Jenna Hager, her granddaughter wrote: "I already miss this FORCE of a woman— the 'enforcer' because she was the glue that held our family together. She taught me to use my voice but also to value the opinions of others."

I already miss this FORCE of a woman— the "enforcer" because she was the glue that held our family together. She taught me to use my voice but also to value the opinions of others. She adored her friends and family; her loyalty was unwavering. Humor helps, she often said and it does, Gans, but I will miss your laugh terribly. She adored my Gampy, the first man she ever kissed; their love story is so engrained in the history of our family. Thinking of my Gampy tonight —no doubt missing his beloved desperately. Gans, people stopped me all the time to tell me how much they loved you. I didn't mind sharing you with them. I love you more than tongue can tell, my Ganny.

Texas

NFL player JJ Watt tweeted about Bush: "You were a beautiful light in this world and I am forever thankful for your friendship."

'The enforcer' -- how Barbara Bush became the matriarch of the Republican Party

Houston mayor Sylvester Turner tweeted: "In her loving memory, the City of Houston and the Houston Public Library Foundation will work to complete the master planned improvements to the Barbara Bush Literacy Plaza in front of the Jesse H. Jones Central Library."

Bush advocated for literacy and raised awareness of the issue. She launched a nonprofit for family literacy that encouraged reading and writing in low-income households and wrote books, including a children's book about their family dog, Millie.

The Texas Rangers, the baseball team, tweeted a photo of Bush throwing out the ceremonial first pitch wearing its team jacket. "She will forever be in our hearts," the team tweeted.

Others

The King Center posted a photo of Barbara Bush seated next to the late Coretta Scott King.

"May the family be comforted by sweet memories and encouraged by the love that former First Lady #BarbaraBush deposited," it tweeted.

Barbara Bush Fast Facts

Maria Shriver wrote that Bush had "served her country with class. She served her family with love and compassion. I'm grateful I knew her."

The US State Department tweeted a quote from ones of its spokespersons: "Barbara Bush represented the best of our country to the world, from our embassy in China to @WhiteHouse as First Lady. We're grateful for her legacy of public service, volunteerism & family."

Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. tweeted: "May she rest in heavenly peace."

CNN's Lindsay Benson and Amanda Jackson contributed to this report.

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