White House sources tell NewsMax that first lady Laura Bush will not accompany the president on his upcoming trip to Sydney, Australia.
The visit was timed to the upcoming Asian-Pacific Economic Forum.
Sources in Mrs. Bush's office explain that she is suffering from a chronic "pinched" nerve and that her doctors advised against any long-distance travel at this time.
Aides to the first lady explain that she has sent "personal" condolences to Australian Prime Minister John Howard and his wife for the last-minute change in events.