HOUSTON - The guest list for Barbara Bush's funeral was a star-studded list of politicians, celebrities and everyday Houstonians. 1,500 guests were invited to the private funeral service at St. Martin's Church.
As attendees shuttled back to Second Baptist Church, retired astronaut Mark Kelly and his wife former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords spoke to reporters.
"It was very special, she's such an iconic woman in our country and means so much to everybody," said Kelly.
From the entertainment industry came the Oak Ridge Boys.
"We've had a long relationship with the family, we treasure that," said William Lee Golden, one of the singers in the country music band.
Family members like Billy Bush also spoke about what the former first lady's style can teach all of us.
"Ladies, when you go out tonight, wear your pearls, don't have to be real ones, she wore fake ones and if you don't have them, sew some ping pong balls together, that's what she did," said Bush.
Houston celebrities came too, showing their gratitude for a woman who always gave back.
"Mrs. Bush would always do anything for us, anything we asked, all the charitable events, we had to pay our respects to this great first lady," said Jim McIngvale, also known as Mattress Mack.
Famous sportscaster and former KHOU 11 reporter Jim Nantz who spent time with the Bushes at Kennebunkport said it best:
"It was the perfect goodbye and celebration to one of the great Americans this country will ever know,"
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