Washington, D.C. — U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos released the following statement on the passing of former First Lady Barbara Bush:

"Barbara Bush was a woman of grace, wit, perseverance and character. She committed the entirety of her life to serving others: her family, her friends and her nation.

"A true advocate for lifelong learning, no one in America has done more to advance the cause of literacy—both for students and for parents—than Barbara Bush. She continued this commitment long after her days in the White House, and her work has changed thousands upon thousands of families' lives for generations by helping them unlock the power of literacy.

"I extend my heartfelt prayers for and deepest condolences to the entire Bush family, along with sincere gratitude for sharing their wife, mother and ganny with all of us. America is a better country because of Barbara Bush."