The life of former first lady Barbara Bush | CNN Politics

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Politics

The life of former first lady Barbara Bush

Updated 10:43 AM EDT, Wed March 27, 2019
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<a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2018%2F04%2F17%2Fpolitics%2Fbarbara-bush-dies%2Findex.html">Former first lady Barbara Bush</a>, the matriarch of a Republican political dynasty and a first lady who elevated the cause of literacy, died April 17, 2018, at age 92. Here, she listens as her son, President George W. Bush, addresses an event in Orlando in 2005. She was the second woman in US history to have had a husband and a son elected President. Her husband, George H.W. Bush, was the 41st President of the United States. Her son was the 43rd.
Former first lady Barbara Bush, the matriarch of a Republican political dynasty and a first lady who elevated the cause of literacy, died April 17, 2018, at age 92. Here, she listens as her son, President George W. Bush, addresses an event in Orlando in 2005. She was the second woman in US history to have had a husband and a son elected President. Her husband, George H.W. Bush, was the 41st President of the United States. Her son was the 43rd.
Jason Reed/REUTERS/Newscom
Bush is pictured at age 7, circa 1932. She was born Barbara Pierce on June 8, 1925.
Bush is pictured at age 7, circa 1932. She was born Barbara Pierce on June 8, 1925.
George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
The future first lady poses for a graduation photo in 1943. She graduated from Ashley Hall, a boarding school in Charleston, South Carolina.
The future first lady poses for a graduation photo in 1943. She graduated from Ashley Hall, a boarding school in Charleston, South Carolina.
AP
Bush and her husband are pictured on their wedding day in Rye, New York. The two married on January 6, 1945.
Bush and her husband are pictured on their wedding day in Rye, New York. The two married on January 6, 1945.
George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
This family portrait was taken around 1948 in New Haven, Connecticut. Pictured are Barbara Bush's husband, brothers, parents and sister, along with her sister's family.
This family portrait was taken around 1948 in New Haven, Connecticut. Pictured are Barbara Bush's husband, brothers, parents and sister, along with her sister's family.
George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Bush with her daughter, Robin, in June 1953. Robin Bush died shortly before her fourth birthday after battling leukemia.
Bush with her daughter, Robin, in June 1953. Robin Bush died shortly before her fourth birthday after battling leukemia.
George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Bush with her husband as he campaigns for the US Senate in 1964. On the desk is a needlepoint bag she made.
Bush with her husband as he campaigns for the US Senate in 1964. On the desk is a needlepoint bag she made.
George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
The Bush family poses on an elephant during the 1964 Senate campaign. Between Bush and her husband, from left, are children Dorothy, Marvin, Neil and Jeb. Her son George was away at school.
The Bush family poses on an elephant during the 1964 Senate campaign. Between Bush and her husband, from left, are children Dorothy, Marvin, Neil and Jeb. Her son George was away at school.
George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
George H.W. Bush is sworn in as director of the CIA on January 30, 1976.
George H.W. Bush is sworn in as director of the CIA on January 30, 1976.
B2163/dpa/AP
A portrait of Barbara Bush at the vice presidential residence on April 24, 1981. Her husband was sworn in as vice president of the United States in 1981.
A portrait of Barbara Bush at the vice presidential residence on April 24, 1981. Her husband was sworn in as vice president of the United States in 1981.
Oliver Morris/Getty Images
Bush places an ornament atop the National Christmas Tree in Washington on November 30, 1983.
Bush places an ornament atop the National Christmas Tree in Washington on November 30, 1983.
J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE/AP
Republican convention delegates celebrate the nomination of President Ronald Reagan and Vice President Bush in 1984.
Republican convention delegates celebrate the nomination of President Ronald Reagan and Vice President Bush in 1984.
Bettmann/Getty Images
Bush holds a lion cub while she and her husband visit a garden project in 1985.
Bush holds a lion cub while she and her husband visit a garden project in 1985.
Cynthia Johnson/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images
The Bushes smile next to Britain's Prince Charles and Princess Diana during a dinner at the British Embassy in Washington.
The Bushes smile next to Britain's Prince Charles and Princess Diana during a dinner at the British Embassy in Washington.
Tim Graham/Getty Images
Bush with her husband in a bedroom with their grandchildren.
Bush with her husband in a bedroom with their grandchildren.
David Valdez/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Bush and her husband meet supporters in Houston on October 12, 1987. On that day, Bush declared his candidacy for the presidency.
Bush and her husband meet supporters in Houston on October 12, 1987. On that day, Bush declared his candidacy for the presidency.
Ed Kolenovsky/AP
President Reagan and Vice President Bush, accompanied by their wives, join hands after Reagan endorsed Bush's run for the presidency during a dinner in Washington on May 11, 1988.
President Reagan and Vice President Bush, accompanied by their wives, join hands after Reagan endorsed Bush's run for the presidency during a dinner in Washington on May 11, 1988.
George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Bush sits with her husband as they watch the presidential election results in Houston on November 8, 1988. Her husband was elected the 41st President that day, with 53.1% of the popular vote and 426 electoral votes. He defeated Democratic nominee Michael Dukakis.
Bush sits with her husband as they watch the presidential election results in Houston on November 8, 1988. Her husband was elected the 41st President that day, with 53.1% of the popular vote and 426 electoral votes. He defeated Democratic nominee Michael Dukakis.
George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Barbara Bush looks on as her husband takes the oath of office at his inauguration on January 20, 1989.
Barbara Bush looks on as her husband takes the oath of office at his inauguration on January 20, 1989.
Wally McNamee/Corbis/Getty Images
Bush reads to children and Big Bird on the set of "Sesame Street" in October 1989.
Bush reads to children and Big Bird on the set of "Sesame Street" in October 1989.
George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Bush watches her husband from a White House television as he speaks during a news conference.
Bush watches her husband from a White House television as he speaks during a news conference.
Carol T. Powers/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
The first lady smiles at new mom Millie after the dog delivered her first litter of six. Bush's granddaughter Marshall looks on.
The first lady smiles at new mom Millie after the dog delivered her first litter of six. Bush's granddaughter Marshall looks on.
Time Life Pictures/Getty Images
President Bush admires the Harry S. Truman Award for Distinguished Service that his wife received in Washington on March 30, 1989.
President Bush admires the Harry S. Truman Award for Distinguished Service that his wife received in Washington on March 30, 1989.
Barry Thumma/AP
Bush visits a children's hospital during Christmas celebrations in Washington on December 6, 1990.
Bush visits a children's hospital during Christmas celebrations in Washington on December 6, 1990.
George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
The first lady accepts three cases of broccoli from a California grower's association during a ceremony at the White House in Washington. The group shipped a total of 10 tons of broccoli after President Bush proclaimed his dislike for the vegetable. The remaining broccoli went to area food banks.
The first lady accepts three cases of broccoli from a California grower's association during a ceremony at the White House in Washington. The group shipped a total of 10 tons of broccoli after President Bush proclaimed his dislike for the vegetable. The remaining broccoli went to area food banks.
Bettmann/Getty Images
Barbara Bush celebrates Thanksgiving with US Marines in Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War.
Barbara Bush celebrates Thanksgiving with US Marines in Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War.
jean-Louis Atlan/Sygma/Getty Images
Pop star Michael Jackson walks with the first lady near the White House Rose Garden.
Pop star Michael Jackson walks with the first lady near the White House Rose Garden.
Rick Wilking/REUTERS/Newscom
Six former first ladies take a stroll through the courtyard of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. Pictured from left are Bush, Nancy Reagan, Rosalynn Carter, Betty Ford, Pat Nixon and Lady Bird Johnson.
Six former first ladies take a stroll through the courtyard of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. Pictured from left are Bush, Nancy Reagan, Rosalynn Carter, Betty Ford, Pat Nixon and Lady Bird Johnson.
Bettmann/Getty Images
Bush and her dogs, Ranger and Millie, wear matching gray sweatsuits at the White House on January 9, 1991.
Bush and her dogs, Ranger and Millie, wear matching gray sweatsuits at the White House on January 9, 1991.
George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
The first lady looks out over Hopi Point during her first visit to the Grand Canyon on  April 13, 1991. Bush was there to kick off celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the National Park Service.
The first lady looks out over Hopi Point during her first visit to the Grand Canyon on April 13, 1991. Bush was there to kick off celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the National Park Service.
Jeff Robbins/AP
Barbara Bush has a doctoral hood placed over her shoulders during Northeastern University's spring commencement on June 15, 1991. Bush was the commencement speaker and recipient of an honorary doctorate for public service.
Barbara Bush has a doctoral hood placed over her shoulders during Northeastern University's spring commencement on June 15, 1991. Bush was the commencement speaker and recipient of an honorary doctorate for public service.
Stephan Savola/AP
Bush makes campaign calls at a phone bank in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on February 2, 1992.
Bush makes campaign calls at a phone bank in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on February 2, 1992.
George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Barbara Bush campaigns with her son, Marvin, who is wearing a Barbara Bush mask on October 27, 1992.
Barbara Bush campaigns with her son, Marvin, who is wearing a Barbara Bush mask on October 27, 1992.
George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Bush prepares to throw a rugby ball after receiving it from Mary Sullivan -- captain of the US women's rugby team -- on February 7, 1992. The US team, which won the World Cup, received the Team Spirit Award from Bush.
Bush prepares to throw a rugby ball after receiving it from Mary Sullivan -- captain of the US women's rugby team -- on February 7, 1992. The US team, which won the World Cup, received the Team Spirit Award from Bush.
ROBERT GIROUX/AFP/Getty Images
Bush sits beside Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary. Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States, defeated George H.W. Bush in the 1992 presidential election.
Bush sits beside Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary. Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States, defeated George H.W. Bush in the 1992 presidential election.
Jeffrey Markowitz/Sygma/Getty Images
Bush attends a campaign event during her husband's re-election bid.
Bush attends a campaign event during her husband's re-election bid.
Larry Downing/Sygma/Getty Images
Bush reacts to US Sen. Phil Gramm, who delivered the keynote address at the Republican National Convention on August 18, 1992.
Bush reacts to US Sen. Phil Gramm, who delivered the keynote address at the Republican National Convention on August 18, 1992.
Marcy Nighswander/AP
President Bush gives his wife "bunny ears" during an event at the Gerald R. Ford Library on April 16, 1997. Also pictured are former Presidents Ford and Jimmy Carter, as well as former first ladies Lady Bird Johnson, Betty Ford and Rosalynn Carter.
President Bush gives his wife "bunny ears" during an event at the Gerald R. Ford Library on April 16, 1997. Also pictured are former Presidents Ford and Jimmy Carter, as well as former first ladies Lady Bird Johnson, Betty Ford and Rosalynn Carter.
David Hume Kennerly/Getty Images
A Bush family Christmas portrait, circa 2000.
A Bush family Christmas portrait, circa 2000.
Courtesy George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
The former President embraces his wife after she introduced him at a Mother's Day Luncheon in Dallas on May 3, 2006.
The former President embraces his wife after she introduced him at a Mother's Day Luncheon in Dallas on May 3, 2006.
TONY GUTIERREZ/AP
The former first lady attends the Republican National Convention on September 2, 2008.
The former first lady attends the Republican National Convention on September 2, 2008.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
The former President and first lady leave after a panel discussion at an event commemorating the Gulf War on January 20, 2011.
The former President and first lady leave after a panel discussion at an event commemorating the Gulf War on January 20, 2011.
Ben Sklar/Getty Images
The former first lady gives the thumbs-up to guests during a dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Center on April 25, 2013. She is seated next to US President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama.
The former first lady gives the thumbs-up to guests during a dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Center on April 25, 2013. She is seated next to US President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama.
David J. Phillip/AP
The former first lady kisses her husband after he went skydiving in Kennebunkport, Maine, on June 12, 2014. The former President was celebrating his 90th birthday.
The former first lady kisses her husband after he went skydiving in Kennebunkport, Maine, on June 12, 2014. The former President was celebrating his 90th birthday.
Eric Shea/Getty Images
Barbara Bush puts some sunscreen on her husband's nose as they get ready to watch the Seattle Mariners play the Houston Astros in a Major League Baseball game on May 3, 2015.
Barbara Bush puts some sunscreen on her husband's nose as they get ready to watch the Seattle Mariners play the Houston Astros in a Major League Baseball game on May 3, 2015.
Bob Levey/Getty Images
Bush jokes with her son Jeb while introducing him at a town hall in Derry, New Hampshire, on February 4, 2016. He was a Republican presidential candidate during the 2016 election.
Bush jokes with her son Jeb while introducing him at a town hall in Derry, New Hampshire, on February 4, 2016. He was a Republican presidential candidate during the 2016 election.
Jacquelyn Martin/AP
"President and Mrs @GeorgeHWBush thank their fellow Americans and friends from around the world for heir prayers and good wishes," tweeted Jim McGrath, the post-White House spokesman for the Bushes, after the former President was hospitalized in January 2017.
"President and Mrs @GeorgeHWBush thank their fellow Americans and friends from around the world for heir prayers and good wishes," tweeted Jim McGrath, the post-White House spokesman for the Bushes, after the former President was hospitalized in January 2017.
Jim McGrath/Twitter
The Bushes are introduced prior to Super Bowl 51 in February 2017.
The Bushes are introduced prior to Super Bowl 51 in February 2017.
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

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