Laura Bush Age, Biography, Career, Net Worth, Personal Life & More

Laura Lane Welch was born on November 4, 1946, in Midland, Texas, to Harold and Jenna Welch. She is the eldest of two daughters in a middle-class family. Her father worked in the oil industry, and her mother was a school teacher. Laura’s upbringing was deeply influenced by the values of her family, especially her mother, who encouraged her to pursue education and personal growth. Growing up in Midland, she was a talented student with a particular passion for reading. This love for learning would remain a constant throughout her life.

Laura graduated from Lee High School in 1964. She then went on to attend Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education in 1968. Afterward, she pursued a master’s degree in Library Science from the University of Texas at Austin, which would prove influential in her future roles as First Lady, as she championed literacy and education initiatives throughout her husband’s presidency.

Career

Before entering the world of politics, Laura Bush had a career as a teacher and librarian. After graduating from the University of Texas, she worked as a teacher at a public school in Houston. Later, she served as a librarian in the Houston and Dallas public school systems. Her love for books and reading, along with her passion for education, was evident in her work.

When she married George W. Bush in 1977, she temporarily stepped away from her professional life to support his growing political career. George had entered politics, first as a successful businessman and then as the governor of Texas in 1995. Although Laura was not directly involved in his political campaigns, she played a significant behind-the-scenes role, especially in the areas of fundraising and organizing events.

As First Lady of Texas, Laura continued her work on literacy programs, using her position to advocate for children’s education. She focused on various initiatives that aimed to improve the quality of education for underprivileged children and increase the availability of books in schools. When George W. Bush became the 43rd president of the United States in 2001, Laura’s national platform as First Lady expanded, and she continued her advocacy for literacy and public health initiatives.

In addition to her work on education, Laura Bush became an advocate for women’s rights and children’s health. She championed the fight against global HIV/AIDS and worked with various organizations to support cancer research, particularly in the area of breast cancer awareness. Her initiatives reflected a commitment to humanitarian efforts both at home and abroad.

Relationships

Laura’s most significant relationship is, of course, with George W. Bush, whom she married on November 5, 1977. The couple met while George was a graduate student at the University of Texas, and they immediately hit it off. Laura’s early reservations about his lifestyle as a man of privilege and his youthful recklessness faded as they developed a deep bond built on mutual respect, shared values, and a love of family. They have twin daughters, Barbara and Jenna Bush, born on November 25, 1981. The Bush family has often been portrayed as a close-knit and supportive unit, even in the face of public scrutiny during George W. Bush’s presidency.

Laura has been a strong supporter of her husband throughout his political career. While she remained relatively private and reserved compared to some First Ladies, her behind-the-scenes influence was felt. During his presidency, Laura was known for her role in comforting families of fallen soldiers and making the White House more accessible and family-oriented.

In addition to her relationship with George, Laura is known for her close ties with her family and friends. She has remained largely out of the spotlight after leaving the White House, but her strong family values continue to guide her.

Real Estate and Lifestyle

Laura and George W. Bush are well-known for their real estate investments, particularly their properties in Texas. In 1999, the couple purchased a large estate in Crawford, Texas, which became their primary residence during George’s presidency. Known as the “Western White House,” the property was a rural retreat where the Bush family would spend time away from the political pressures of Washington, D.C.

In addition to their Crawford estate, the Bushes own a home in Dallas, Texas, and they have invested in various properties throughout the state. The couple has been known for their relatively modest lifestyle compared to many other political figures. Despite their wealth, they have kept a low profile regarding their personal wealth and real estate dealings, preferring to focus on their public service and family life.

Laura Bush’s lifestyle has always reflected her humble beginnings, and even after serving as First Lady, she remained grounded. Known for her quiet grace and attention to detail, Laura’s personal style in the White House was characterized by elegance without extravagance. She often hosted events that reflected her love for literature, culture, and education.

Net Worth

As of 2025, Laura Bush’s net worth is estimated to be around $40 million. This wealth primarily comes from her husband’s political career, book royalties, and public speaking engagements. After leaving the White House, the Bushes enjoyed lucrative book deals, with both Laura and George W. Bush authoring books that sold millions of copies worldwide. Laura Bush’s memoir, Spoken from the Heart, published in 2010, was a bestseller and significantly contributed to her net worth. Her personal investments, real estate, and public speaking engagements have also bolstered her financial standing.

Age and Height

Born on November 4, 1946, Laura Bush is currently 78 years old. In terms of her physical appearance, Laura stands at 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall. Throughout her time as First Lady, she was known for her polished appearance, often opting for classic, understated fashion choices that complemented her elegant demeanor.

Other Contributions and Legacy

Laura Bush’s legacy as First Lady is multifaceted. One of her most lasting contributions is her work to improve literacy rates in the United States and around the world. She launched the Ready to Read, Ready to Learn initiative, which aimed to bring books into the hands of young children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. She also played a key role in founding the National Book Festival, an event that continues to celebrate books and reading to this day.

In addition to her advocacy for education, Laura worked tirelessly on the global stage to address the HIV/AIDS crisis, particularly in Africa, and she helped promote initiatives that raised awareness of women’s health issues. She was also a key figure in the development of the Bush administration’s global initiative to promote freedom and democracy abroad.

After her time in the White House, Laura Bush remained active in several philanthropic endeavors, and her influence continues to be felt in a variety of humanitarian causes. She also became involved in several public speaking engagements, sharing her experiences and advocating for causes she is passionate about.

Conclusion

Laura Bush’s life has been one of service, grace, and dedication. From her early years as a teacher and librarian to her time as First Lady of the United States, Laura has consistently used her position to champion education, health, and human rights. Her marriage to George W. Bush has been one of partnership and support, and her contributions to both American and global causes have left a lasting impact. While she is no longer in the public eye as she once was, Laura Bush’s legacy is one of a woman who made a difference, not just in the lives of those around her, but across the world.

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