Barbara Bush, the former
first lady, is in failing health and has decided not to seek further medical treatment for congestive heart failure, her family said in a statement released on Sunday.
Mrs Bush, the wife of President
George HW Bush and the mother of
George W Bush, is being cared for at her home in Houston, Texas.
The 92-year-old, who also suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a lung complaint, has been hospitalised multiple times during the last twelve months.
"Following a recent series of hospitalisations, and after consulting her family and doctors, Mrs Bush, now aged 92, has decided not to seek medical treatment and will instead focus on comfort care."
"It will not surprise those who know her that Barbara Bush has been a rock in the face of her failing health, worrying not for herself - thanks to her abiding faith - but for others," read the statement.
"She is surrounded by a family she adores, and appreciates the many kind messages and especially the prayers she is receiving."
The mother-of-six has been married for 73 years. She and her husband occupied the White House from 1989 to 1993.
Mrs Bush is known for her warm, relaxed manner and her wit and once said people like her because they know "I'm fair and I like children and I adore my husband."
In 1989 she set up the Foundation for Family Literacy to encourage reading. She was also a childrens' author.
Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the UN was amongst the first to pay tribute.
She tweeted: "Prayers going up for a woman of great faith, great strength, and an unwavering love of country. Our country is better because of former First Lady Barbara Bush."