Former President George W. Bush remembered his late mother Wednesday in his first interview since her passing. He and his wife Laura Bush sat with Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo at The Bush Institute in Dallas, TX to reflect on what made Barbara Bush so darn special.
Former President George W. Bush: "My mother would say 'make darn sure you participate fully in the leadership forum.' In other words, don't sit around and feel sorry for me or yourself, more importantly, but move on with life. And that's what we're doing." pic.twitter.com/RAaVzWK2B0
— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) April 18, 2018
"My mother would say 'make darn sure you participate fully in the leadership forum,'" Bush recalled. "In other words, don't sit around and feel sorry for me or yourself, more importantly, but move on with life. And that's what we're doing."
The Bushes were able to say goodbye both over the phone and in person. The 43rd president was pleased to share that his mom, known for her quick wit, was still cracking jokes in her hospital room. At one point, she turned the doctor and asked him why he thought her son was the way he was.
"It's because I drank and smoke when I was pregnant," she said.
They were still "needling each other," Bush laughed.
Bush's father, former President George H. W. Bush, was by her side when she passed, he shared. The couple had been together for 73 years. It was a romance that was often kindled with sweet handwritten letters.
"It's the end of a beautiful life," Bush said.