When you think about Barbara Bush, one thing stands out: her unwavering commitment to family. "She wasn’t your typical first lady," friend Brad Meltzer exclusively shares with Closer. "She was more like a loving, caring mother, the kind who made you feel seen and valued. She once told me to read to my kids at night—not because of the book, but because of the bond it creates, the warmth of holding them close and showing them love. That’s who she was—a truly incredible mother and grandmother, the heart of her family."
A Legacy That Stands the Test of Time
When Barbara Bush passed away at the age of 92 on April 17, she left behind not just memories, but an extraordinary legacy. She was the backbone of the longest presidential marriage in U.S. history, standing by her husband George H.W. Bush for 73 years. Not only that, she was the proud mother of another president, George W. Bush. Her sharp wit, plainspoken charm, and unyielding strength endeared her to Americans as much as they did to her family. “I always knew Barbara was the most beloved woman in the world," her husband, 93, fondly recalled after her passing. "I even teased her about it, but the truth is, the outpouring of love we’ve seen since she’s gone has been overwhelming. We believe she’s in heaven now, and we know life will go on, just as she would have wanted.”
Authenticity in Action
Barbara Bush wasn’t one to chase the spotlight or try to fit into someone else’s mold. As she championed causes like literacy, she did so with genuine sincerity and authenticity. “She wasn’t trying to be glamorous like Jackie Kennedy or a former movie star like Nancy Reagan,” a close friend shares with Closer. “And she didn’t care to change that about herself. She embraced every gray hair and every wrinkle, saying they were earned and deserved. That’s who she was—unapologetically herself.”
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A Steady Hand Behind the Scenes
As the mother of six children, including her daughter Robin, who tragically passed away from leukemia at the age of three in 1953, Barbara was the rock that held her family together. While her husband traveled the world as an oilman and later as a politician, she ensured the household ran smoothly. Yet, she was never one to shy away from speaking her mind. “She never forgot that she was her own person,” another friend recalls. “She had every right to say what she thought, and she wasn’t afraid to do so.”
This sense of self was something she instilled in her loved ones, including her granddaughter, Today contributor Jenna Bush Hager, who wrote a heartfelt note to Barbara before her passing: “You were our family’s rock, the glue that held us together.” Her quick wit was legendary. “What you see with me is what you get,” she famously said in 1988 when her husband was running for president. “I’m not running for president—George Bush is.”
Laughter as the Secret Ingredient
Barbara’s ability to find humor in life—and herself—was key to keeping her grounded during her time in the public eye. “The secret to her long, happy marriage was a great sense of humor,” says Meltzer. “She was sharp, caring, and made everyone around her feel amazing. At the end of the day, she was always classy.”
For more stories and insights about Barbara Bush, pick up the latest issue of Closer Weekly, available on newsstands now—and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter!
