Former first lady Laura Bush thanks Melania Trump for 'sweet visit' to White House

Former first lady Laura Bush thanked current first lady Melania Trump on Tuesday for inviting the Bush family to tour the White House holiday decorations while they were in town to remember former President George H.W. Bush.

“A sweet visit during this somber week,” Laura Bush wrote Tuesday in an Instagram post. “Thanks to Mrs. Trump for inviting our family to the White House to see the Christmas decorations and our old friends, the residence staff.”

The Bush family was visiting Washington to attend memorial services for the 41st president, who died Friday. President Donald Trump had announced the visit earlier in the day on Twitter.

“Looking forward to being with the wonderful Bush family at Blair House today,” he wrote, referring to the presidential guesthouse. “The former First Lady will be coming over to the White House this morning to be given a tour of the Christmas decorations by Melania. The elegance & precision of the last two days have been remarkable!”

Laura Bush and Melania Trump appear to have a friendly relationship, according to The Washington Post. The newspaper reported the two have met for tea at the White House and spent time together in April, when Melania Trump visited Texas for the funeral of former first lady Barbara Bush.

The first lady does not appear to have the same warm relationship with her predecessor, Michelle Obama. Last month, the former first lady said in an interview on “Good Morning America” that she reached out to Melania Trump to offer assistance as she transitioned into the role of first lady, as Obama said Laura Bush had reached out to her. However, she said Melania Trump had not taken her up on her offer.

Melania Trump's spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, said in a statement to CNN that she is "a strong and independent woman who has been navigating her role as first lady in her own way. When she needs advice on any issue, she seeks it from her professional team within the White House."

Cox Media Group