HOUSTON (KHOU) -- Former President George H.W. Bush released a statement Wednesday about the passing of his wife of 73 years, Barbara Pierce Bush.
"I always knew Barbara was the most beloved woman in the world, and in fact I use to tease her that I had a complex about that fact,' he wrote. "But the truth is the outpouring of love and friendship being directed at The Enforcer is lifting us all up. We have faith she is in heaven and we know life will go on -- as she would have it. So cross the Bushes off your worry list."
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Mr. Bush held his wife's hand and was at her side when she died Tuesday, according to Bush's Office Chief of Staff Jean Becker.
Barbara Bush was 92 and the couple had been married 73 years -- longer than any couple in presidential history.
Becker released a statement Tuesday night saying the former president is broken-hearted, but he "is being stoic and strong" during this challenging time.
PHOTOS: George and Barbara's wedding day
Their love story began in 1941 when she was 16 and he was 17. They met at a school dance and became engaged a year and a half later.
The future president was on his way to becoming the youngest pilot in the U.S. Navy before serving in World War II.
They married in 1945, had six children – one of them a future president himself. Mrs. Bush is also survived by 17 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
PHOTOS: The Bushes in recent years