Image credits: Wikimedia Commons
Laura Bush
5 ft 4 in (163 cm)
$40 million, 2026 est.
American
November 4, 1946
Midland, Texas, US
80 Years Old
Scorpio
Who Is Laura Bush?
Laura Bush is an American educator and literacy advocate known for her remarkably composed public presence. She served as First Lady of the United States from 2001 to 2009 following her Texas tenure.
She gained widespread national praise during a historic radio address supporting oppressed Afghan women. That landmark speech established her diplomatic voice for education, and she remains widely known for her love of native Texas wildflowers.
Early Life and Education
Raised in Midland, Texas, Laura Bush was the only child of Harold and Jenna Welch.
Her mother encouraged an early love of books, inspiring a quiet childhood routine centered on local library visits and storytelling.
She later earned an education degree from Southern Methodist University before becoming a teacher.
Bush subsequently completed a master degree in library science at the University of Texas at Austin, working as a public school librarian.
Notable Relationships
A low-key courtship in 1977 led to her marriage with future president George W. Bush. The couple met at a mutual friend backyard barbecue in Midland and married three months later after a brief engagement.
They share twin daughters, Barbara Pierce Bush and Jenna Bush Hager, born in 1981. The pair remains happily married after decades together, regularly appearing at public events and enjoying family time with their grandchildren.
Career Highlights
Laura Bush championed literacy and public education throughout her tenure as First Lady. She established the Texas Book Festival and later co-founded the National Book Festival, attracting thousands of readers and supporting libraries across the nation.
Beyond literacy, she spearheaded major global initiatives supporting women health and empowerment. Her efforts focused on breast cancer awareness worldwide and promoted global educational opportunities for young women, particularly in Afghanistan.
Her public service earned numerous honors, including the Eleanor Roosevelt Award for Human Rights. She has authored several best-selling books, cementing her enduring legacy as a dedicated national figure and champion for global education.
Signature Quote
“Libraries allow children to ask questions about the world and find the answers. And the wonderful thing is that when a child learns to read, the whole world opens up to them.”
