What was Barbara Bush Net Worth?

Barbara Bush net worth was estimated at $25 million at the time of her death in April 2018. She was an American philanthropist and former First Lady of the United States, best known as the wife of President George H. W. Bush and the matriarch of one of America’s most prominent political families.

Barbara Bush made history as one of only two women—alongside Abigail Adams—to be both the wife of a U.S. president and the mother of another. Her son George W. Bush served as the 43rd President of the United States, while her son Jeb Bush was the Governor of Florida and a presidential candidate.

Early Life

Barbara Bush was born Barbara Pierce on June 8, 1925, in New York City, to Pauline and Marvin Pierce. She was raised in the coastal suburb of Rye, New York, alongside her siblings Martha, James, Scott, and an older brother.

Her father was a successful businessman who later became president of McCall Corporation, the publisher behind popular magazines such as McCall’s and Redbook. Barbara attended Milton Public School, Rye Country Day School, and the South Carolina boarding school Ashley Hall. She later enrolled at Smith College.

Athletic and energetic, Barbara enjoyed tennis, swimming, and cycling during her youth.

Marriage to George H. W. Bush and Family Life

At age 16, Barbara met George Herbert Walker Bush while vacationing in Greenwich, Connecticut. The couple became engaged shortly before George left to serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and they married in January 1945.

Over the next several years, the Bush family moved frequently before settling in Texas, where George began his business and political career. Together, they had six children:
George W., Pauline “Robin,” Jeb, Neil, Marvin, and Dorothy.

Years in Texas

Texas played a pivotal role in both Barbara Bush’s personal life and public emergence. As her husband built a career in the oil industry and helped found Zapata Corporation, Barbara supported the family while raising their children.

By the early 1960s, George H. W. Bush entered politics, eventually becoming chairman of the Harris County Republican Party and launching his national political career.

Life in Washington

After George’s election to Congress in 1966, Barbara Bush became deeply involved in charitable work and Republican women’s organizations. As her husband took on roles including U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, she developed close relationships with diplomats and political leaders.

China Years

In 1974, the Bush family relocated to China, where George served as head of the U.S. Liaison Office. Barbara embraced the experience, often exploring the country by bicycle.

However, after returning to the United States and during George’s tenure as CIA Director, Barbara struggled with depression, feeling disconnected from her own sense of purpose. She eventually turned this period into motivation, sharing her experiences through public speaking engagements.

Second Lady of the United States

Barbara Bush served as Second Lady from 1981 to 1989 during the Reagan administration. It was during this time that she became deeply committed to literacy advocacy, inspired by her son Neil’s struggles with dyslexia.

She also authored the children’s book C. Fred’s Story, using proceeds to support literacy initiatives.

First Lady of the United States

When George H. W. Bush was inaugurated as president in 1989, Barbara Bush became First Lady, a role she used to expand her lifelong focus on family literacy.

She helped establish the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, supported HIV/AIDS awareness, backed LGBTQ rights, and quietly supported abortion access—positions that were notable given the era and her party affiliation.

Barbara also revitalized the White House Preservation Fund, renaming it the White House Endowment Trust, and played an active role in preserving White House history.

Life After the White House

After leaving the White House in 1993, Barbara returned to Texas with her husband. She later supported her son George W. Bush during his campaigns for Texas governor and president, and reluctantly supported Jeb Bush’s 2016 presidential bid.

Illness and Death

Barbara Bush was diagnosed with Graves’ disease in 1988. In later years, she developed COPD and congestive heart failure, conditions linked to her long history of smoking.

She passed away peacefully at her home in Houston, Texas, on April 17, 2018, at the age of 92. Her husband died seven months later at age 94.

Barbara Bush Net Worth

Barbara Bush net worth was estimated to be $25 million.