Michelle Obama cancelled book tour appearances in Berlin and Paris so that she can attend the funeral of former President George H.W. Bush on Wednesday.
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In an announcement posted to Twitter Sunday, the former first lady broke the news about her “Becoming” book tour:
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
“It’s important to me to join the Bush family in celebrating President George H.W. Bush’s exemplary life,” she wrote. “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.”
“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,” she added.
In a touching tribute posted to Instagram Saturday, Obama described the profound effect this loss has had on so many Americans, including herself.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq28EWpB14j/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=11rihppwfmdfi
“As a public servant, father, and grandfather, President George H.W. Bush was an extraordinary example for us all,” she 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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George H.W. Bush was known for his good-natured spirit and his ability to get along with people across the political spectrum. In an op-ed published by The Washington Post Saturday, former President Bill Clinton shared a personal letter Bush Sr. had given him on his first day in office.
“I wish you well. I wish your family well,” the touching letter reads. “Your success now is our country’s success. I am rooting hard for you.”
In his piece, Clinton calls Bush’s friendship “one of the great gifts of my life.”
George H.W. Bush’s casket was brought to the U.S. Capitol in a procession held Monday evening, CNN reported. He will remain in state in the rotunda until Wednesday morning. Members of the public will be welcome to pay their respects until 8:45 a.m. Wednesday, after which Bush’s family and friends will gather at the National Cathedral for an 11 a.m. memorial service.
A second memorial service will be held for Bush Thursday at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston. The 41st president will then be taken by a motorcade procession to the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library in College Station, Texas, where he will be buried next to his late wife of 73 years, Barbara Bush.