Michelle Obama is taking time off her busy book tour to show her support for the Bush family.
On Monday, the former first lady tweeted that she would be cancelling planned stops in Paris and Berlin on December 5 and 6 to attend the funeral of President George H.W. Bush.
The 41st president died Friday at the age of 94."It's important to me to join the Bush family in celebrating President George H.W. Bush's exemplary life," Obama tweeted Sunday morning. "This will unfortunately preclude my visits to Paris and Berlin. I've been deeply touched by the enthusiasm for my memoir, and I'm working to reschedule my trip for next year."
She continued: "I hope readers and ticket holders will understand my decision regarding my desire to attend President Bush's funeral, and join me in paying tribute to him and his tremendous contributions to our world."
Whenever a president dies, all current and living presidents typically attend the funeral, as well as their partners.
A Washington, D.C. memorial service will be held in Bush's honor on Wednesday, and President Donald Trump is expected to be in attendance.
On Thursday, Bush's body will be interred at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library in College Station, Texas, next to his wife and daughter.Obama will continue on with her book tour next week, starting with an appearance in Detroit, Michigan on December 11.
It's important to me to join the Bush family in celebrating President George H.W. Bush's exemplary life. This will unfortunately preclude my visits to Paris and Berlin. I've been deeply touched by the enthusiasm for my memoir, and I'm working to reschedule my trip for next year.
- Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) December 2, 2018
As a public servant, father, and grandfather, President George H.W. Bush was an extraordinary example for us all. His spirit of service and decency will be missed by many, including our family. I hope his memory will be a guiding light for our country and those around the world. pic.twitter.com/jUSU82TnO1
- Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) December 1, 2018