Barbara Bush dies at 92: US first lady’s parting jab at son George W. Bush
Former US first lady Barbara Bush passed away yesterday at age 92, but as News.com.au reports, the notoriously witty matriarch of one of America’s most famous political families, was still cracking jokes right up until the end.
Her eldest, former US President George W. Bush, has revealed in the days leading up to her passing, she continued to playfully needle him as she had in the past.
At one points, Mrs Bush reportedly turned to the doctor and said: “You want to know why George W. is the way he is?”
The doctor had looked a little surprised.
“Because I drank and smoked when I was pregnant with him,” she replied.
Mr Bush spoke in glowing praise of his mother, saying she, “was warm and wonderful, until you got out of line.”
This was by no means the first time Mrs Bush gave one of her son’s a gentle ribbing, as she famously joked around with her son Jeb Bush during his bid to become US President.
“The best news of the day was that my mum finally said I was her favourite,” Jeb Bush, the former Florida governor, quipped to his mum.
“Oh no I didn’t,” she said laughing. “You mean of all of the children?”
“Yeah,” Bush deadpanned.
“No,” she quipped.
Bush family spokesman Jim McGrath released a statement from the family following her passing.
Herewith a statement from former President @GeorgeHWBush. pic.twitter.com/USSq5RkD4g
— Jim McGrath (@jgm41) April 18, 2018
Our thoughts are with Mrs Bush’s friends and family.
Image credit: Twitter / US Secret Service