Laura Bush Net Worth

Laura Bush net worth is estimated at $40 million. She is an American public figure, author, and former First Lady of the United States, having served from 2001 to 2009 during the presidency of her husband, George W. Bush.

Beyond her time in the White House, Laura Bush has built a lasting legacy as a champion of education, literacy, and women’s health, drawing on her professional background as a librarian and educator. Her income and wealth stem from book royalties, family assets, speaking engagements, and long-term investments tied to the Bush family.

Early Life

Laura Bush was born Laura Lane Welch on November 4, 1946, in Midland, Texas. She is the only child of Harold and Jenna Welch and is of English, French, and Swiss descent. Her father worked as a builder and real estate developer, while her mother served as his business bookkeeper.

She attended James Bowie Elementary School and Robert E. Lee High School in Midland. At age 17, Laura was involved in a tragic car accident that resulted in the death of a close school friend. She has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of the event, noting that it profoundly shaped her outlook on life and faith.

After high school, Laura attended Southern Methodist University, earning a bachelor’s degree in education. She later pursued graduate studies at the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned a Master of Science in Library Science. She went on to work as a schoolteacher and later as a librarian in Houston and Austin.

Marriage to George W. Bush

Laura met George W. Bush in 1977 through mutual friends. Their relationship progressed quickly, and they became engaged in September of that year. The couple married in November 1977.

In 1981, Laura gave birth to fraternal twin daughters, Barbara Pierce Bush and Jenna Bush Hager, in Dallas, Texas.

Political Life

Laura Bush first appeared on the political stage during her husband’s 1978 congressional campaign, which ended in defeat. Her public profile expanded significantly when her father-in-law, George H. W. Bush, became president in 1989, exposing her to national and international public life.

She became First Lady of Texas in 1995 after George W. Bush was elected governor. During her time in the Governor’s Mansion, Laura focused on education reform, literacy programs, and health initiatives, maintaining a notably reserved and non-partisan public image.

First Lady of the United States (2001–2009)

Laura Bush became First Lady of the United States in January 2001. Throughout her eight years in the role, she adopted a traditional and policy-focused approach, largely avoiding political controversy while advocating strongly for causes tied to education and reading.

She founded the National Book Festival, served as Honorary Ambassador for the United Nations Decade of Literacy, and launched the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries, which continues to award over $1 million annually in grants to school libraries across the United States.

Her tenure was marked by consistency, discretion, and long-term institutional impact rather than overt political engagement.

Advocacy for Women’s Health

In addition to literacy, Laura Bush became a leading advocate for women’s health, particularly in the areas of breast cancer and heart disease. She supported national initiatives such as The Heart Truth campaign and worked closely with organizations including Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

In 2007, the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health opened at Texas Tech University, focusing on research, education, and healthcare access for women.

Writing Career

Laura Bush has authored and co-authored several books, contributing significantly to her net worth through royalties. Her most notable works include:

• Spoken from the Heart (2010), her memoir, which received positive critical reception and a Goodreads Choice Award nomination
• Read All About It!, a children’s book co-written with her daughter Jenna
• We Are Afghan Women: Voices of Hope, a nonfiction work amplifying the voices of Afghan women
• Our Great Big Backyard, another children’s book co-authored with Jenna Bush Hager

Honors

Laura Bush’s work in education and public service has earned widespread recognition. She has received honors from the American Library Association, the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity, and numerous universities.

In 2015, she was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters from Wayland Baptist University. She and her husband also received the National Constitution Center Liberty Medal for their support of military veterans. In 2021, Laura Bush was honored with the Concordia Leadership Award.

Real Estate

The Bush family maintains strong ties to Texas and Maine, where they continue to spend time at the historic Walker’s Point estate in Kennebunkport. They also own a ranch in Texas, reflecting Laura Bush’s preference for privacy and a low-profile lifestyle after leaving public office.

Laura Bush Net Worth

Laura Bush net worth is estimated to be $40 million.