Challenges Faced by Barbara Bush: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and Barbara Bush faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

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

June 1944: Feared George Bush dead

In June 1944, Barbara Pierce feared George Bush dead after learning that his plane was shot down during World War II, but he was later found and rescued.

1953: Death of daughter Robin

In 1953, Barbara and George H.W. Bush's three-year-old daughter, Robin, passed away from leukemia, marking a significant personal loss for the family.

1953: Robin diagnosed with leukemia

In 1953, Robin, the daughter of Barbara and George Bush, was diagnosed with leukemia, which significantly impacted their family life.

1957: Road trip encountering racism

In 1957, The Bushes faced racism while traveling across the country with their Black housekeeper and babysitter.

1959: Move to Houston and Neil's dyslexia diagnosis

In 1959, The Bush family moved to Houston, and Barbara Bush oversaw construction of their new home. Additionally, her son Neil was diagnosed with dyslexia.

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.

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.

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.

January 20, 1989: The Bushes Move into the White House

On January 20, 1989, the Bushes moved into the White House, and Barbara became the First Lady of the United States at age 63. She was the oldest First Lady at that time. Shortly after becoming First Lady, Barbara was diagnosed with Graves' disease.

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.

1992: Clinton's victory in the 1992 election

In 1992, Bill Clinton defeated George H.W. Bush in the presidential election. Barbara Bush took longer to forgive Clinton's victory in the 1992 election than George did.

January 20, 1993: The Bushes Leave the White House

On January 20, 1993, the day of Bill Clinton's inauguration, the Bushes moved back to Houston and lived in a rental home while a new house was constructed.

2003: Concerns over the Iraq War

In 2003, as tensions grew between Iraq and the United States, Barbara and George Bush worried about the possibility of a war. Before the 2003 invasion of Iraq, she spoke dismissively of television news reports, which sparked controversy. After the invasion, she felt her son was unduly influenced by advisors and urged him to reconsider decisions regarding Iraq.