First Cat Dies

"Willie" apparently couldn't bear life after the White House.

The Bushes' 18-year-old female black American Shorthair died Sunday at home in the Executive Mansion.

Named by a then-9-year-old Barbara Bush, the cat, who was also called "Kitty" by the family, was given the name "India" after the former Texas Ranger baseball player, Ruben Sierra, who was called El Indio.

When they went off to college, Barbara and Jenna left India at the White House with President and Mrs. Bush.

"India was a beloved member of the Bush family for almost two decades. She will be greatly missed," said the first lady's press secretary Sally McDonough.