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Barbara Bush Biography

Birth Name:Barbara Pierce Bush

Birth Place:New York City, New York, United States

Fast Facts

  • Became Honorary Chairman of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy
  • Joined the Boards of AmeriCares and the Mayo Clinic
  • Met future husband George H․W․ Bush at a dance when she was only 16 years old
  • Her interest in reading started when she was a child and her whole family would gather during the evenings to read together
  • Enjoyed swimming, tennis and bike-riding in her youth
  • Quote: "I'm fair and I like children and I adore my husband․"
  • Quote: "[on Robin Bush] "You just don't know how valuable a child is until you lose one, and you don't know what a miracle it is when a child is born well․""
  • As wife to the 41st President of the United States George H․W․ Bush, she served as First Lady of the Unite States from 1989 to 1993
  • Promoted literacy during George H․W․ Bush's presidency, but also helped the homeless, the elderly, school volunteer programs and the fight against AIDS
  • In the 44 years of marriage before George H․W․ Bush became president, she coordinated 29 moves of their family due to his various political and career endeavors