Early Life and Family

Barbara Pierce was born on June 8, 1925, in New York City. She was the daughter of Marvin Pierce, a publishing executive, and Pauline Robinson Pierce. She grew up in Rye, New York, alongside her two siblings, Martha and James.

Meeting George H.W. Bush

Barbara met her future husband, George H.W. Bush, at a dance when she was only 16 years old. They got engaged just before he left to serve as a naval aviator in World War II.

The Longest Marriage in Presidential History

Barbara and George H.W. Bush were married on January 6, 1945, and shared a remarkable 73 years of marriage, making it the longest-lasting presidential marriage in U.S. history.

The Mother of Presidents

Barbara Bush was the mother of George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States, and Jeb Bush, former Governor of Florida, making her the only woman in history to be the mother of two U.S. presidents.

A Passion for Literacy

Barbara Bush was a strong advocate for literacy and believed that education was the key to success. She founded the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy in 1989, which aimed to improve the literacy skills of both children and adults.

A Welcoming White House

During her time as First Lady, Barbara Bush made the White House a warm and inviting place. She initiated the tradition of hanging wreaths on the North Portico during the holiday season.

Championing AIDS Awareness

Barbara Bush was one of the first prominent figures to speak openly about AIDS and its impact on society. She visited hospitals and medical clinics to show support for individuals affected by the disease.

White Hair and Pearls

Barbara Bush was known for her distinguished white hair, which became her signature look. She also frequently wore pearls, which added a touch of elegance to her appearance.

The “Silver Fox” Nickname

Barbara Bush was affectionately referred to as the “Silver Fox” due to her beautiful white hair. The nickname perfectly captured her grace and poise.

Literary Influence

Barbara Bush authored two books: “C. Fred’s Story” (1984), a children’s book about her dog, and her memoir, “Barbara Bush: A Memoir” (1994). Both books were well-received and showcased her love for family and storytelling.

Fashion Icon

Barbara Bush was known for her classic sense of style. She favored dresses with clean lines and often incorporated vibrant colors into her wardrobe.

Avid Quilter

Barbara Bush enjoyed quilting as a hobby and created beautiful and intricate quilts. She even organized charity events to auction off her quilts to support various causes.

Love for Dogs

Barbara Bush was an animal lover and had several dogs throughout her lifetime. One of her most famous pets was Millie, a Springer Spaniel, who became a beloved member of the Bush family and even “wrote” a book.

The White House Pet Cemetery

Barbara Bush and her family laid Millie to rest at the White House pet cemetery, a special cemetery dedicated to the furry companions of presidential families.

Supporting Veterans

Barbara Bush deeply cared for veterans and their families. She worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the difficulties they faced and supported organizations that provided assistance to veterans in need.

Family Vacation Spot

Kennebunkport, Maine, was the Bush family’s cherished vacation spot. Barbara and her family spent many summers there, enjoying the scenic beauty and tranquility of the coastal town.

A Calm and Steady Influence

Barbara Bush was known for her level-headedness and calm demeanor, which earned her deep respect and admiration from the American people.

Honorary Chair of Multiple Organizations

Throughout her life, Barbara Bush served as the honorary chair of numerous organizations, including the Leukemia Society of America, the Salvation Army, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

The 1984 Vice-Presidential Debate

During the 1984 vice-presidential debate, Barbara Bush delivered a memorable line about the importance of family values, stating, “I love my husband. He is worth every vote you don’t give me.”

The Presidential Grandmother

Barbara Bush took great delight in being a grandmother. She had 17 grandchildren, and her love and devotion to them were evident in every interaction.

Heightened Secret Service Protection

Barbara Bush was the subject of heightened security measures by the Secret Service due to her warm and friendly nature, which made her a potential target for overzealous admirers.

Standout Commencement Speech

In 1990, Barbara Bush delivered a memorable commencement speech at Wellesley College, in which she emphasized the importance of compassion, tolerance, and inclusivity.

The Bush-Clinton Friendship

Barbara Bush formed a close friendship with former First Lady Hillary Clinton. Despite their political differences, they shared a mutual respect and developed a bond rooted in their shared experiences as presidential spouses.

Advocacy for Cancer Research

Barbara Bush was a tireless advocate for cancer research and supported various organizations dedicated to finding a cure. She understood the devastating impact of the disease, having lost her daughter, Robin, to leukemia at the age of three.

Role Model for Women

Barbara Bush served as an inspiration for many women, encouraging them to pursue their passions and make a positive difference in the world.

Presidential Retreats

Barbara Bush and her husband enjoyed spending time at Camp David, the presidential retreat in Maryland’s Catoctin Mountains. It provided them with a tranquil escape from the demands of Washington, D.C.

Grandmother in the White House

During her son George W. Bush’s presidency, Barbara Bush became the first woman in history to be both the wife and mother of U.S. presidents.

Supporting Margaret Thatcher

Barbara Bush shared a strong friendship with former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and admired her leadership qualities and determination.

The Gulf War

During the Gulf War in 1991, Barbara Bush visited soldiers stationed in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to show her support and gratitude for their service.

The Literacy Legacy

Barbara Bush’s commitment to literacy and education continues to impact countless lives through the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.

Presidential Library Dedication

In 1997, the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum was dedicated. Barbara Bush played an integral role in organizing the event and ensuring its success.

Great-Grandmother

Barbara Bush had 14 great-grandchildren, and she cherished each and every one of them, always showering them with love and affection.

The Power of Laughter

Barbara Bush had a wonderful sense of humor and often used it to diffuse tense situations or bring joy to others.

Exceptional Fundraiser

Throughout her life, Barbara Bush was actively involved in fundraising efforts for various causes, such as education, health, and disaster relief.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 1989, Barbara Bush was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her dedication to promoting literacy and improving the lives of countless Americans.

Devoted Churchgoer

Faith played a significant role in Barbara Bush’s life. She regularly attended church services and incorporated her religious values into her charitable endeavors.

The Red, White, and Blue

Barbara Bush proudly displayed her patriotism by frequently wearing outfits adorned with the colors of the American flag.

Golf Enthusiast

Barbara Bush enjoyed playing golf and often took to the golf course to relax and spend quality time with her family.

An Avid Reader

Barbara Bush had a passion for reading and was known to have an extensive personal library. She encouraged others to cultivate a love for books and reading.

Champion for Equality

Barbara Bush believed in the importance of gender equality and supported organizations dedicated to advancing women’s rights and opportunities.

The Bush School of Government and Public Service

In honor of Barbara Bush’s commitment to education and public service, the George Bush School of Government and Public Service was named after her at Texas A&M University.

Grand Central Station

Barbara Bush’s influence extended to several generations of her family, making her the matriarch of a sprawling network that includes politicians, business leaders, and public servants.

The 1992 Campaign Trail

During George H.W. Bush’s re-election campaign in 1992, Barbara Bush actively campaigned alongside her husband and delivered speeches in support of his candidacy.

Humility and Graciousness

Barbara Bush was known for her humility and graciousness, treating everyone with kindness and respect.

Hurricane Relief Efforts

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Barbara Bush and her son, George W. Bush, led fundraising campaigns to help those affected by the devastating storm.

The First National First Lady’s Library

In 2002, the First National First Lady’s Library was established in Canton, Ohio, as a tribute to the contributions of America’s First Ladies, including Barbara Bush.

Legacy of Compassion

Barbara Bush’s compassionate spirit and unwavering commitment to serving others continue to inspire people around the world.

As we reflect on the 47 facts about Barbara Bush, it becomes evident that she was not just a First Lady but a champion of literacy, a devoted wife and mother, and an influential figure in American politics. Her legacy lives on through her family, her foundation, and the countless lives she touched throughout her extraordinary life.

Conclusion

Barbara Bush, wife of the 41st President of the United States, George H. W. Bush, was a remarkable woman who left a lasting impact on the world. Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to various causes and charities, advocating for literacy, family literacy, and supporting organizations such as the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.

Not only was Barbara Bush a dedicated philanthropist, but she was also a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Her warmth, wit, and down-to-earth personality made her beloved by many. Barbara Bush’s legacy lives on through her family and the positive change she made during her time in the public eye.

As we remember Barbara Bush, we can take inspiration from her commitment to serving others and the power of literacy. She exemplified the importance of education and the impact it can have on individuals and communities. Barbara Bush will forever be remembered as a strong and compassionate woman who made a difference in the world.

FAQs

1. What were Barbara Bush’s major accomplishments?

Barbara Bush was a dedicated philanthropist and advocate for literacy. She established the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, which aimed to improve literacy rates for families in the United States.

2. How many children did Barbara Bush have?

Barbara Bush had six children: George W. Bush, Pauline Robinson “Robin” Bush, John Ellis “Jeb” Bush, Neil Mallon Bush, Marvin Pierce Bush, and Dorothy Bush Koch.

3. What role did Barbara Bush play in the White House?

As the wife of President George H. W. Bush, Barbara Bush served as the First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993. During her time in the White House, she focused on promoting literacy and supporting various charitable organizations.

4. What was Barbara Bush’s educational background?

Barbara Bush attended Smith College in Massachusetts, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology.

5. When did Barbara Bush pass away?

Barbara Bush passed away on April 17, 2018, at the age of 92.