Career Timeline of Barbara Bush: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Barbara Bush, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Barbara Bush (1925-2018) was First Lady of the United States (1989-1993), wife of President George H.W. Bush, and Second Lady (1981-1989) during his vice presidency. She is one of only two women, along with Abigail Adams, to be both the wife and mother of U.S. presidents (George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush). She was also the mother of Jeb Bush, a former Governor of Florida. As First Lady, she was known for her accessible, grandmotherly image and her dedication to literacy, founding the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1940: Eleanor Roosevelt Spoke at Convention

In 1940, Eleanor Roosevelt spoke at the national party convention, and in 1988, Barbara Bush became the third candidate's spouse to do so, after Eleanor Roosevelt and Pat Nixon.

1948: Moved to Texas

In 1948, Barbara and George H.W. Bush moved to Texas. This move was prompted by George's success in the oil industry.

1962: Campaign for Harris County Republican Party chairmanship

In 1962, Barbara Bush learned to campaign when her husband ran for chairman of the Harris County Republican Party, accompanying him to each precinct in the county.

1964: Campaign for U.S. Senate

In 1964, Barbara Bush campaigned with her husband when he ran to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate, experiencing negative aspects of political life like false information.

1966: Campaign for U.S. House of Representatives

In 1966, Barbara Bush campaigned for her husband's successful run for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, leading to the family's move to Washington, D.C.

1970: George Bush ran for U.S. Senate again

In 1970, George Bush ran for the U.S. Senate again, and was again unsuccessful. After her dye ran during a campaign trip, Barbara decided to stop dyeing her hair.

1972: Pat Nixon Spoke at Convention

In 1972, Pat Nixon spoke at the national party convention, and in 1988, Barbara Bush became the third candidate's spouse to do so, after Eleanor Roosevelt and Pat Nixon.

1973: Husband became chair of the Republican National Committee

In 1973, George H.W. Bush became the chair of the Republican National Committee.

1974: George became ambassador to China

In 1974, George Bush was appointed United States ambassador to China and Barbara moved with him to China.

1975: George Bush appointed U.S. Director of Central Intelligence

In 1975, the Bushes returned to the United States when George accepted a job as the U.S. Director of Central Intelligence. Barbara was excluded from her husband's work and experienced isolation and depression. This was also influenced by her children moving away and amplified by menopause.

1978: George Bush Begins Presidential Campaign

In 1978, George Bush began his campaign for the 1980 presidential election. There were concerns that Barbara would be a liability. She decided to champion literacy as First Lady, becoming a strong advocate for her husband during the campaign.

1980: Ronald Reagan Chooses George Bush as Vice President

In 1980, George Bush did not win the Republican nomination for the presidency, but Ronald Reagan chose him as vice president. Barbara accordingly became the Second Lady.

1981: Became Second Lady of the United States

In 1981, Barbara Bush became Second Lady when her husband became Vice President of the United States.

1984: Barbara Bush Campaigns for Her Husband's Reelection

In 1984, Barbara Bush campaigned for her husband's reelection as Vice President. She became known for her self-deprecating sense of humor. During the campaign, she apologized after a comment regarding Geraldine Ferraro. Barbara orchestrated a meeting to ensure George appeared on the cover of the Republican National Committee's First Monday magazine.

1988: George Bush Enters 1988 Presidential Election

In 1988, George Bush entered the presidential election. Barbara Bush's image as a loyal wife and mother proved valuable. She contrasted herself with Nancy Reagan, emphasizing domestic interests. She provided input on campaign strategy, supported attack ads, and spoke at the national party convention.

March 1989: Barbara Bush Establishes Foundation for Family Literacy

In March 1989, Barbara Bush established the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy to promote literacy programs.

1989: Became First Lady and Graves' disease diagnosis

In 1989, Barbara Bush became First Lady of the United States and was diagnosed with Graves' disease.

1989: Became First Lady of the United States

In 1989, Barbara Bush became the First Lady of the United States when her husband, George H. W. Bush, was inaugurated as the 41st president.

June 1, 1990: Bush Gives Commencement Speech at Wellesley College

On June 1, 1990, Barbara Bush gave a commencement speech at Wellesley College. The speech was controversial among students. Bush invited Raisa Gorbacheva to join her. She was well-received for her message of prioritizing personal fulfillment and relationships.

1990: Mrs. Bush's Storytime Radio Program and Millie's Book

In 1990, Barbara Bush hosted the Mrs. Bush's Storytime radio program for ABC. She wrote the children's book "Millie's Book" about her dog Millie's new litter of puppies, which became a best-seller. The profits of nearly $800,000 were donated to her literacy foundation.

Millie's Book: As Dictated to Barbara Bush

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1990: Barbara Bush Represents the United States at Costa Rican Presidential Inauguration

In 1990, Barbara Bush was assigned formal diplomatic responsibilities, such as representing the United States at the inauguration of Costa Rican president Rafael Calderón.

1991: National Literacy Act Passed

Barbara Bush's advocacy contributed to the 1989 education summit, and she convinced her husband to end his opposition to the National Literacy Act of 1991, allowing it to be passed into law.

1992: Bush Campaigns for Her Husband's Reelection

During the 1992 presidential election, Barbara Bush took a major role in campaigning for her husband's reelection, more actively endorsing his policy accomplishments than she previously had.

1993: End of First Lady term

In 1993, Barbara Bush's time as First Lady ended with the conclusion of her husband George H.W. Bush's presidential term.

1994: Barbara Bush's Memoir Published

In 1994, Barbara Bush's book, "Barbara Bush: A Memoir", was published and topped The New York Times Best Seller list for several weeks. Her sons George W. and Jeb sought political office.

Barbara Bush: A Memoir

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1995: Received the Award for Greatest Public Service Benefiting the Disadvantaged

In 1995, Barbara Bush received the Award for Greatest Public Service Benefiting the Disadvantaged, an award given out annually by the Jefferson Awards Foundation.

1997: Recipient of The Miss America Woman of Achievement Award and the Golden Plate Award

In 1997, Barbara Bush received The Miss America Woman of Achievement Award for her work with literacy programs. The same year, she received the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement.

1998: George W. and Jeb Bush Win Elections

In 1998, both George W. and Jeb Bush won elections for governor of Texas and governor of Florida respectively.

2000: George W. considers a presidential campaign

In 2000, George W. sought Barbara's advice regarding a potential presidential campaign. She encouraged him to make his own decision. Later, during a church sermon, she implied he should run. She avoided a prominent role in his campaign to prevent overshadowing him, focusing instead on the "W Stands for Women" tour. Following a legal battle after the election, Al Gore conceded, making Barbara the second woman to be both the wife and mother of a U.S. president.

2003: Publishes "Reflections: Life after the White House"

In 2003, Barbara Bush published another memoir, "Reflections: Life after the White House", reflecting on her experiences after her time as First Lady.

Reflections: Life After the White House

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2004: Campaigning during the 2004 presidential election

In 2004, Barbara Bush returned to campaigning, giving speeches on behalf of her son as he sought a second term as president, which he won.

2014: Jeb and Dorothy take control of the Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation

In 2014, Jeb and Dorothy took control of the Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation.

2015: Supports Jeb's presidential campaign

In 2015, Barbara Bush recanted her earlier statement and supported Jeb's presidential campaign in the 2016 presidential election, campaigning for him during the Republican Party primary elections and criticizing Donald Trump.