Bush, Barbara (1924–)
Bush, Barbara (1924–)
American first lady. Born Barbara Pierce in Rye, New York, June 8, 1924; dau. of Marvin Pierce (magazine publisher of McCalls-Redbook) and Pauline (Robinson) Pierce; attended Smith College (1943–44); m. George Herbert Walker Bush (US president), Jan 6, 1945; children: George Walker Bush (b. 1946, governor of Texas and US president); Robin Bush (1949–1953, died of leukemia); John "Jeb" Ellis Bush (b. 1953, governor of Florida); Neil Mallon Bush (b. 1955); Marvin Pierce Bush (b. 1956); Dorothy Walker Bush (b. 1959).
From husband's early days as a Texas businessman to political posts as a US Congressional representative, ambassador to the United Nations, US Envoy in China, director of the CIA, and vice president, lived in 29 homes in 17 cities and blossomed from a shy housewife into a savvy political advisor and campaigner; as first lady (1989–93), arrived on the scene with a shock of white hair, undisguised wrinkles, and a down-to-earth demeanor; her main focus while in the White House was on behalf of literacy and learning disabilities; set aside proceeds from her 2 books, C. Fred's Story and Millie's Book, for the literacy foundation; often accompanied husband on visits in US and abroad; maintained strong opinions on many controversial issues but fielded questions of a controversial nature with the stock answer, "Let me tell you how George Bush feels."
See also Barbara Bush: A Memoir (Scribner, 1994); and Women in World History.