DALLAS (AP) — Former President George Bush called the late Betty Ford a great friend and courageous first lady.
Bush, the 41st president, and his wife, Barbara, issued a statement from Kennebunkport, Maine, on Friday after Ford died at age 93.
Ford overcame drug and alcohol addiction and was the inspiration for her Betty Ford Center.
The elder Bush said the Ford Center has helped change the lives of thousands of people and will be "her lasting legacy of care and concern."
Former President George W. Bush, the 43rd president, said Ford made countless contributions to the country and was courageous in calling attention to breast cancer and substance abuse. Bush said he and his wife, Laura, were deeply saddened by Ford's death.
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