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Former US first lady Barbara Bush dies at 92

Former US first lady Barbara Bush attends an event on social security reform in Orlando, Florida, on March 18, 2005. (Photo by Reuters)

Former US first lady Barbara Bush, the only woman to see her husband and son both sworn in as president, has died at the age of 92.

"A former First Lady of the United States of America and relentless proponent of family literacy, Barbara Pierce Bush passed away Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at the age of 92," the Bush family said in a statement.

She was the wife of the 41st US president, George H.W. Bush, and mother of the 43rd, George W. Bush.

The former first lady was also the mother of Jeb Bush, who served as governor of Florida from 1999 to 2007 and unsuccessfully ran for the White House in 2016.

In this file photo taken on December 11, 2008 US President George W. Bush (R) shakes hands with his father, former President George H.W. Bush (L) before his mother, former First Lady Barbara Bush (C), after delivering the commencement address during the Texas A&M University graduation ceremony at Reed Arena in College Station, Texas. (Photo by AFP)

The Bush family had announced earlier in the week that the former US first lady was in failing health and had decided not to seek further medical treatment, focusing instead on "comfort care."

She had been battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart problems in recent years, according to some media reports.

The US first lady, from 1989 to 1993, was a fierce advocate of civil rights and went against many of her husband's Republican Party supporters with her liberal views.

In a statement from the White House, US President Donald Trump said, "She will be long remembered for her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served unfailingly well."


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