4 living former presidents, 3 first ladies pose for photo at Bush funeral

April 23 (UPI) -- Nearly every living former U.S. president and three former first ladies posed for a rare photograph over the weekend at the funeral for Barbara Bush.

In the photo, former President George H.W. Bush is seated in a wheelchair, surrounded by former first ladies Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama and former Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

Barbara Bush died last week at the age of 92.

Taken by Paul Morse, White House photographer during President George H.W. Bush's administration, the snapshot shows the former leaders gathered at the funeral in Houston -- posing with first lady Melania Trump, who attended the Saturday event as a proxy for President Donald Trump.

Trump said last week he would not attend the service. Melania Trump was accompanied by former White House head maitre d' George Hainey and current White house usher Buddy Carter -- who each formed friendships with Barbara Bush during her time at the White House between 1989 and 1993.

Former President Jimmy Carter, on an overseas trip, was the only living former president who did not attend. His wife Rosalynn is recovering from surgery, a Carter spokesman said.