Born June 8, 1925, Barbara Pierce married George Herbert Walker Bush in 1945, becoming the First Lady when her husband became President of the United States in 1989.
Barbara met George when she was 16 years old and became engaged to him at age 18. George went off to war, and the two weren’t married until he returned after World War II in 1945. Between them, they have six children, including the current President of the United States, George W. Bush.
While in office, Barbara dug into work with the White House Historical Association and the White House Endowment Trust, which raises funds for the refurbishment and restorations of the White House.
She now lives in Houston, Texas, with the former president.
While Barbara suffered from an autoimmune disease, Graves' disease, similar to lupus, the Bush’s famous pet springer spaniel, Millie, suffered from lupus. Yes, animals can get the disease as well.
Millie was to write about her experience in a sequel to Millie’s Book: As Dictated to Barbara Bush, but as of this writing, it has not been published.
