History of Barbara Bush in Timeline

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 8, 1925: Barbara Bush's birth

On June 8, 1925, Barbara Pierce, later known as Barbara Bush, was born. She would become the First Lady of the United States as the wife of George H.W. Bush.

Others born on this day/year

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.

1942: George H. W. Bush enlisted in U.S. Navy

In 1942, George H. W. Bush enlisted in the U.S. Navy, impacting his relationship with Barbara Pierce.

1943: Barbara Pierce graduated from Ashley Hall

In 1943, Barbara Pierce graduated from Ashley Hall.

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.

January 6, 1945: Marriage to George H.W. Bush

On January 6, 1945, Barbara Pierce married George H.W. Bush at the Rye First Presbyterian Church in Rye, New York, when she was 19 years old.

1945: Marriage to George H.W. Bush

In 1945, Barbara Pierce married George H. W. Bush. Their marriage marked the beginning of a significant personal and political partnership.

July 6, 1946: Birth of George W. Bush

On July 6, 1946, Barbara and George H.W. Bush's first child, George W. Bush, was born.

1946: Birth of first child

In 1946, Barbara Bush had her first child, George W. Bush, future president of the United States.

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.

1953: Birth of Jeb Bush

In 1953, Barbara Bush had her third child, Jeb Bush.

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.

1955: Birth of Neil Bush

In 1955, Barbara Bush had her fourth child, Neil Bush.

1956: Birth of Marvin Bush

In 1956, Barbara Bush had her fifth child, Marvin Bush.

1957: Road trip encountering racism

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

1959: Birth of sixth child

By 1959, Barbara Bush had six children.

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.

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.

1977: The Bushes return to Houston

After George left the CIA in 1977, the Bushes returned to Houston, Texas.

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.

1980: Reconciling beliefs surrounding abortion

In 1980, during the presidential campaign, Barbara Bush privately reconciled her beliefs surrounding abortion, concluding that the soul enters the body at birth, making abortion morally permissible. She believed it should be federally funded and government action should focus on education.

1980: The Bushes Move into the Vice Presidential Residence

Upon George Bush becoming Vice President in 1980, the Bushes moved into the vice presidential residence and lived there for eight years. Barbara hosted over one thousand social events. First Lady Nancy Reagan grew to dislike the Bushes, reducing the social role of the vice president and 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.

1982: Siena College Research Institute surveys begin

Since 1982 Siena College Research Institute has conducted occasional surveys asking historians to assess American first ladies according to a cumulative score on independent criteria.

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.

1988: Nancy Reagan Criticizes Barbara Bush

The day after returning to Houston, the Bushes learned that Nancy Reagan had called into ABC News to criticize them, saying that Barbara had lied about not receiving a tour of the White House in 1988 and falsely stating that the Bushes never invited the Reagans to a state dinner. Barbara corrected the falsehoods and ended communication with Nancy.

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.

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: Critical of Donald Trump

Dating back to 1990, Barbara Bush was highly critical of Donald Trump, even before his political career began.

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

Check it on Amazon

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.

1991: George H. W. Bush Diagnosed with Graves' Disease

In 1991, George H. W. Bush, Barbara's husband, was also diagnosed with Graves' disease.

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.

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.

1992: Accused Pat Buchanan of using "racist code words"

In 1992, When Pat Buchanan challenged her husband in the primary elections on a nationalist anti-immigration platform, she accused him of using "racist code words".

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.

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: Expressed opinion on same-sex parents

In 1994, Barbara Bush expressed her opinion that a family caring for its children is more important than whether or not the parents were a same-sex couple.

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

Check it on Amazon

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.

2002: Alumna Initiate at Texas A&M University

In 2002, Barbara Bush became an alumna initiate of the Texas Eta chapter of Pi Beta Phi at Texas A&M University. She chose this university due to its location of her husband's Presidential Library.

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

Check it on Amazon

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.

2003: Ranked 5th-highest in public image

In the 2003 survey, Barbara Bush was ranked the 5th-highest in the criteria of public image among first ladies.

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.

2005: Controversy during Hurricane Katrina relief efforts

In 2005, Barbara Bush toured Florida to promote Social Security reform. During her work supporting victims of Hurricane Katrina, she made a comment about those affected staying in Texas, which was deemed insensitive and reinforced the impression that the Bushes were out of touch.

2006: Criticism over Katrina Fund donation

In 2006, it was revealed that Barbara Bush donated an undisclosed amount of money to the Bush–Clinton Katrina Fund on the condition that the charity do business with an educational software company owned by her son Neil, leading to criticism.

October 3, 2008: Opening of the "George and Barbara Bush Center"

On October 3, 2008, Barbara Bush and her husband opened the "George and Barbara Bush Center" at the University of New England in Biddeford. The center houses "The Bush Legacy Collection", securing the Bush legacy in Maine.

November 2008: Hospitalized for abdominal pains

In November 2008, Barbara Bush was hospitalized for abdominal pains and underwent small intestine surgery.

2008: Ranked 9th-best of 20th and 21st century First Ladies

In the 2008 Siena Research Institute survey, Barbara Bush was ranked the 9th-best of the twenty 20th and 21st century First Ladies.

2009: Aortic valve replacement surgery

In 2009, Barbara Bush underwent aortic valve replacement surgery.

2010: Controversy over George W.'s anecdote

In 2010, Barbara Bush was the subject of controversy when George W. recounted an anecdote that following her miscarriage she had held the fetus in a jar, causing a misconception that she had kept or displayed the remains.

2013: Opposed to Jeb running for president

In 2013, Barbara Bush was initially opposed to her son Jeb making a potential bid for the presidency, worrying that he would be weighed down by criticisms of the previous Bush presidencies and saying "we've had enough Bushes".

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.

2014: Ranked 21st-highest as a "power couple"

In the 2014 survey, Barbara Bush and her husband were ranked the 21st-highest out of 39 first couples in terms of being a "power couple". Also in 2014, historians ranked Bush 5th among 20th and 21st century American first ladies that they felt "could have done more".

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.

2015: Skeptical of the Obama administration's hiring of a transgender person

In 2015, Barbara Bush was skeptical of the Obama administration's publicized hiring of a transgender person until her mind was changed following a conversation with historian Timothy Naftali.

2015: Confirmation as a member of the Episcopalian church

In 2015, after several decades of attending Episcopalian services, Barbara Bush was confirmed as a member of the church to accept the Dean's Cross award without misrepresenting her faith.

June 2016: Hospitalized after heart incident

In June 2016, Barbara Bush was hospitalized after an incident involving her heart, later blaming it on the stress caused by the Trump campaign.

November 2016: Letter to Melania Trump

In November 2016, despite not voting for Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election, Barbara Bush wrote a letter to incoming First Lady Melania Trump saying she was "glad" to be welcoming her to the "First Ladies' very exclusive club" and that she would be entering the White House instead of Bill Clinton.

2016: Received honorary membership in Phi Beta Kappa

In 2016, Barbara Bush received honorary membership in Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Houston chapter.

March 16, 2018: Fall and fractured vertebrae

On March 16, 2018, Barbara Bush fell and fractured her vertebrae, leading to hospitalization.

April 17, 2018: Death of Barbara Bush

On April 17, 2018, Barbara Bush passed away. She had been the First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993 and the Second Lady from 1981 to 1989.

April 21, 2018: Barbara Bush's Funeral

On April 21, 2018, Barbara Bush's funeral was held at St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston. She is buried at the George Bush Presidential Library in College Station, Texas, beside her daughter Robin. The funeral was 90 minutes long, following her request.

November 30, 2018: Death of George H.W. Bush

On November 30, 2018, Barbara's husband, George H.W. Bush, died seven months after her death.

2018: Did not identify with the Republican Party

By early 2018, shortly before her death, Barbara Bush decided that she did not identify with the Republican Party as it existed at the time.

2021: Jill Biden considers Barbara Bush a role model

In 2021, First Lady Jill Biden said she considers Barbara Bush to be one of her role models and a First Lady she hoped to emulate in her own role, while speaking at the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy's National Summit.