Heritage Foundation President Kay Coles James released the following statement today on the death of former first lady Barbara Bush:

"With today’s passing of Barbara Bush, we have lost a true friend and leader. For those privileged to know her, Barbara was so many things – all of them extraordinary. Kind. Generous. Strong. Indefatigable. Barbara showed me and those around her a caring touch and by her incomparable example the power of deep compassion, quiet strength, and moral fortitude. She leaves behind so many grateful friends, but – even more – she leaves with us her greatest legacy: the family she cherished so deeply. As Barbara movingly said, “At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, winning one more verdict, or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a child, a friend, or a parent.” On behalf of the entire Heritage Family we pray for peace and strength for the Bush family, and we hope they are comforted in this difficult time by the knowledge that the inspiration Barbara Bush gave so many of us lives on."