What is Laura Bush’s Net Worth?
Laura Bush, the former First Lady of the United States, has a net worth of $40 million. Best known for her role alongside her husband, President George W. Bush, from 2001 to 2009, she is also an accomplished teacher, librarian, and author. Throughout her life, she has been a strong advocate for literacy, education, and women’s health.
Early Life and Education
Laura Lane Welch was born on November 4, 1946, in Midland, Texas. She is the only child of Harold Welch, a builder and real estate developer, and Jenna Welch, a bookkeeper. Raised in a conservative household, she attended James Bowie Elementary School and Robert E. Lee High School in Midland.
At 17, Laura was involved in a tragic car accident that resulted in the death of her close friend, Michael Douglas. She later admitted that the accident had a profound impact on her faith and outlook on life.
She pursued higher education at Southern Methodist University, earning a bachelor’s degree in education, before obtaining a Master of Science in Library Science from the University of Texas at Austin in 1973. She then worked as a teacher and librarian in Houston and Austin.
Marriage to George W. Bush and Political Life
Laura met George W. Bush in 1977, and the couple quickly became engaged, marrying in November of the same year. Her political involvement began when she supported Bush’s unsuccessful 1978 congressional campaign.
When her husband was elected Governor of Texas in 1994, Laura became First Lady of Texas, focusing on education, literacy, and health advocacy. She remained active in these efforts when George W. Bush was elected President in 2000, making her the First Lady of the United States from 2001 to 2009.
Unlike many of her predecessors, Laura largely stayed out of political controversies, instead dedicating herself to education reform and the promotion of literacy. She launched the National Book Festival and served as the honorary ambassador for the United Nations Decade of Literacy.
Personal Life and Advocacy Work
Laura and George W. Bush struggled with infertility before welcoming fraternal twin daughters, Barbara and Jenna, in 1981. The family frequently gathers at the Bush family estate in Kennebunkport, Maine, and spends time at their ranch in Crawford, Texas.
Over the years, Laura has been a passionate advocate for women’s health issues, working with organizations such as The Heart Truth campaign and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. In 2007, Texas Tech University established the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health to advance research and education on women’s health issues.
Books and Public Recognition
Laura Bush has authored multiple books, including:
- Read All About It! (2008) – Co-authored with her daughter Jenna Bush Hager
- Spoken from the Heart (2010) – A memoir that was well received
- We Are Afghan Women: Voices of Hope (2016) – Highlighting the struggles of Afghan women
- Our Great Big Backyard (2016) – A children’s book co-written with Jenna
Her contributions to literacy and education have earned her numerous awards and honors, including recognition from the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity (2002) and the American Library Association. In 2015, she was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters by Wayland Baptist University. Alongside her husband, she also received the National Constitution Center Liberty Medal for their support of military veterans and was honored with the Concordia Leadership Award in 2021.
Final Thoughts
Laura Bush’s $40 million net worth is a reflection of her influence, accomplishments, and dedication to public service. From her years as a teacher and librarian to her role as First Lady, she has left a lasting impact on education, literacy, and women’s health initiatives. Even after leaving the White House, she continues to support causes that uplift communities and empower future generations.
