Michelle Obama Honors Late Ex-President George H.W. Bush In Touching Instagram Post

Michelle Obama paid tribute to late former President George H.W. Bush over the weekend with a touching Instagram post.

On Saturday, the 54-year-old former first lady shared a photo of Bush — who died Friday at age 94 — kissing her on the cheek from his wheelchair at what appeared to be the White House.

“As a public servant, father, and grandfather, President George H.W. Bush was an extraordinary example for us all,” Obama wrote. “His spirit of service and decency will be missed by many, including our family. I hope his memory will be a guiding light for our country and those around the world.”

 

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As a public servant, father, and grandfather, President George H.W. Bush was an extraordinary example for us all. His spirit of service and decency will be missed by many, including our family. I hope his memory will be a guiding light for our country and those around the world.

A post shared by Michelle Obama (@michelleobama) on Dec 1, 2018 at 12:38pm PST

The former first lady added she would cancel upcoming tour dates for her Becoming book tour in order to attend the 41st president’s funeral. Obama said she was set to travel to Paris and Berlin, among other cities abroad, and that she would work to reschedule those trips.

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It’s important to me to join the Bush family in celebrating President George H.W. Bush’s exemplary life. This will unfortunately preclude my visits to Paris and Berlin. I’ve been deeply touched by the enthusiasm for my memoir, and I’m working to reschedule my trip for next year.

— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) December 2, 2018

I hope readers and ticket holders will understand my decision regarding my desire to attend President Bush’s funeral, and join me in paying tribute to him and his tremendous contributions to our world.

— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) December 2, 2018

Obama added she considers Bush’s son and her husband’s predecessor George W. Bush a close friend.

“He’s my partner in crime at every major thing where all the ‘formers’ gather,” Obama told Today. “So we’re together all the time… I love him to death. He’s a wonderful man, he’s a funny man.”

Barack Obama also honored George H.W. Bush with the following statement:

America has lost a patriot and humble servant in George Herbert Walker Bush. While our hearts are heavy today, they are also filled with gratitude. Our thoughts are with the entire Bush family tonight – and all who were inspired by George and Barbara’s example. pic.twitter.com/g9OUPu2pjY

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 1, 2018

This week, Michelle Obama also drew headlines for criticizing the popular “lean in” philosophy regarding professional women’s work-life balance, which Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg discussed in her 2013 book Lean In.