Arizona Political Analyst Reacts To News Of Barbara Bush's Failing Health

Published: Sunday, April 15, 2018 - 3:13pm
Updated: Sunday, April 15, 2018 - 3:14pm
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Statement from the office of George H.W. Bush as tweeted by NBC News Sunday morning.

Former First Lady Barbara Bush was reported to be in failing health on Sunday. The 92-year-old has decided not to seek further care, facing a life threatening illness.

Bush's office released a statement, confirming after a "recent series of hospitalizations," she has decided against seeking additional medical help and will instead focus on "comfort care."

Arizona Political Analyst Jim Heath served on George H.W. Bush’s Presidential steering committee and met Barbara Bush many times. Heath said Barbara is leaving this world how she lived in it.

"She always had sort of a tough exterior that I think people associated with her, but she was always quick with a hug," Heath said. "She was always quick with a hello.  It is exactly the strength and stubbornness that we’d expect from Barbara Bush and certainly Arizona and all of us send the Bush family our warm wishes.”

The former first lady has been suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, and congestive heart failure.