Jenna Bush Hager shares emotional update on Barbara Bush: 'She's a fighter'
Jenna Bush Hager said her grandmother, former first lady Barbara Bush, is in "great spirits" and resting comfortably with family members.
"She's a fighter. She's an enforcer," the TODAY anchor said Monday, referring to the family's nickname for the matriarch. "We're grateful for her, for everybody's prayers and thoughts, and just know the world is better because she's in it."
The 92-year-old former first lady announced Sunday through a family spokesman that she had decided against seeking additional medical treatment to prolong her life. The wife of former President George H.W. Bush instead planned to focus on "comfort care" after consulting with doctors and her loved ones.
No specific illness was provided but the former first lady suffers from congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
"We are grateful for her. She's the best grandma anybody could have ever had — or have," Jenna said on TODAY, quickly correcting herself.
Jenna said she and her twin sister, who was named after their paternal grandmother, spoke with the former first lady the previous evening.
"She's with my grandpa, the man she's loved for over 73 years. They are surrounded by family, but I think the fact that they're together and that he still says, 'I love you Barbie' every night is pretty remarkable," she said. In recent years, Bush has been seen using a walker and an oxygen tank. She was briefly hospitalized last year for bronchitis.
She made a vague reference to her health in a recent magazine article published in the alumnae magazine of her alma mater, Smith College.
"I have had great medical care and more operations than you would believe," she said in the brief post. "I'm not sure God will recognize me; I have so many new body parts!"
Bush also remarked on her longtime marriage to her husband in the magazine, writing: "I am still old and still in love with the man I married 72 years ago."
Bush married her husband on Jan. 6, 1945. The couple went on to have six children, including a daughter, Robin, who died of leukemia when she was 3.
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I may disagree with their politics but, I still like the woman, she was a good FLOTUS and, she is the strength of the Bush family. My heart goes out to her and, her family at this time.
Same here. I liked her stance on literacy and abortion
Well, she's not gone yet and, I wouldn't count Barbara out yet.
SHe's a classy lady, I hope she is able to enjoy the rest of her life in peace. Thanks for posting this article.
I would like for her to be comfortable and in as little pain as possible
Same here Trout.
You're welcome Spike.
It was just announced on MSNBC that Barbara Bush has passed away at the age of 82.
RIP dear Mrs Bush. You were an Inspiration to many, just being you.
Excuse me, she was 92.
RIP Mrs. Bush.
I'm going to leave this up until Thursday night then take it down.
OMG.....bless her heart. My heart goes out to Pres. Bush and her family.
To be truthful her Magnoliaave, I thought President Bush would have gone first with all the problems he's been having lately. To lose Mrs. Bush is to lose a national treasure, she was a rare person not only as FLOTUS but, as a person. God bless the family and, President Bush today.