President Trump on Wednesday honored former first lady Barbara Bush, while expressing admiration at the length of her marriage to former President George H.W. Bush.
Trump spoke fondly of Bush’s legacy during his opening remarks at a joint press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. He noted that the Bushes were married for 73 years.
“I’ll never beat that record,” Trump joked.
Trump, 71, has been married to his third wife, Melania, for 13 years.
A family spokesman announced Tuesday night that Bush died at age 92. She had been hospitalized multiple times throughout the past year, and recently decided against seeking additional medical treatment.
“For decades, Barbara was a titan in American life,” Trump said Wednesday. “Her presence and character were engraved into America’s identity. Her strength and toughness really embodied the spirit of our country.”