"Everyone is worried. Obviously, the president is very worried about this," Bush said on CBS's "The Early Show." "But on the other hand, I think we're strong, and I know we can come out of it."

Bush said she hoped the Federal Reserve's lowering its target rate to 1.5 percent will help markets stabilize.

She also touched on her feelings about her the final months as first lady, saying she was looking forward to a "more normal life."

But, Bush added, "It's been a huge privilege to represent the people of the United States."

She also spoke of her crusade to raise breast cancer awareness, noting that her mother was a survivor and her grandmother also had breast cancer.

"I've met people around the world who are breast cancer survivors. And ... I've lost some of my very best friends to breast cancer," she said. "So I think it's really important for women to know about it, and women to take charge of their health."