UPDATE 1 -- Former U.S. First Lady Betty Ford dead at 93

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UPDATE 1 -- Former U.S. First Lady Betty Ford dead at 93

2011-07-09 08:37:56 GMT+7 (ICT)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) -- Former U.S. First Lady Betty Ford, the widow of President Gerald Ford, died at her home in California on Friday afternoon, her office said. She was 93.

Ford passed away at her home in Rancho Mirage, California, on Friday afternoon, her office said, but no details about the cause of her death were not immediately released. More details were expected later on Friday evening.

"Barbara and I loved Betty Ford very much," former U.S. President George H.W. Bush said in a statement. "She was a wonderful wife and mother; a great friend; and a courageous First Lady. No one confronted life's struggles with more fortitude or honesty, and as a result, we all learned from the challenges she faced."

Former President George H.W. Bush said the Betty Ford Center, which provides alcohol and other drug dependency treatment services, will be Betty Ford's lasting legacy of care and concern. "We were proud to know her. We were proud to call her a friend. We will miss her," he added.

Former U.S. President George W. Bush said he and his wife Laura are 'deeply saddened' by the passing of Ford. "We admired her as a First Lady and valued her as a friend. She made countless contributions to our country, and we especially appreciate her courage in calling attention to breast cancer and substance abuse," Bush said. "Because of her leadership, many lives were saved. Tonight our prayers go out to Mrs. Ford's entire family."

Former First Lady Nancy Reagan, the widow of late President Ronald Reagan, also said she was 'deeply saddened' to hear of Ford's death. "She has been an inspiration to so many through her efforts to educate women about breast cancer and her wonderful work at the Betty Ford Center. She was Jerry Ford's strength through some very difficult days in our country's history, and I admired her courage in facing and sharing her personal struggles with all of us. My love and deepest sympathy go out to the entire Ford family at this very sad time," Reagan said.

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