Updated

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush is "the most qualified person in the country" to run for president in 2016 -- that, according to his mother Barbara Bush.

In an exclusive interview to mark 25 years of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, the former first lady sat down with "Fox & Friends" co-host Steve Doocy in her Houston, Texas home.

Asked if the American people should brace themselves for a presidential contest between "Hillary and Jeb," Bush appeared to soften her 2013 stance that the nation has "had enough Bushes."

"I read 'The Bully Pulpit' by Doris Kearns Goodwin and she points out that in 1700 there were only three families, so maybe it's OK," she said.

"It just seemed to me ridiculous in a country this size that we didn't have other families. I mean we've got great governors and other people. I just don't understand it," Bush said.

"Maybe Jeb's given all he should give, because he's worked awfully hard for a long time," she added.