George W. Bush and his family have been in the public eye since 1966 when his dad, and former President George H.W. Bush, won a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives — from there, a political dynasty was born. Even if you don’t share the same political views as the Bush family, there is no denying that they are a close-knit group.
George and wife Laura Bush had twin daughters, Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Bush Coyne, in 1981, and their personalities couldn’t be more different. Jenna was always destined for the spotlight, so her job on The Today Show makes perfect sense. George joked during a visit to the NBC show about Jenna’s thirst for attention even as a little kid. “Before the ’88 [Republican] National Convention, Jenna begged my mother to let her sing the national anthem,” he said. “Mother, of course, said, ‘No way, you can’t sing.’ That one was pretty straightforward.”
Her sister tends to prefer a more private life and works as a health care activist, but she is equally as close to Laura and George. She and her husband, Craig Coyne, even wound up quarantining in Texas with her mom and dad in 2020. “I don’t think that that was something Craig anticipated when he married me, moving in with his parents-in-law for five months, she told People. “But of course we see the huge blessing in that, that we would never have this time with my parents.”
The family has gotten even bigger over the last eight years with Jenna welcoming daughters Mila, 9, and Poppy, 7, and son Hal, 3, with husband Henry Hager. Barbara and Craig had their first child on September 2021 with daughter Cora, so George and Laura are now grandparents of four. It’s one big happy family and it’s a joy to see how they prioritize family over everything else.
With the Bush twins turning 41 years old on Nov. 25 (on Thanksgiving), we figured this was a wonderful way to celebrate and look back at some of their cherished moments.
Sweet Beginnings
George holds his twins, Barbara and Jenna, who were born on Nov. 25, 1981 in Dallas, Texas.
Grandpa’s Inauguration Day
On Jan. 21, 1989, George H.W. Bush was inaugurated as the 41st President of the United States and the whole family was in attendance. The twins were only seven years old in this photo.
Family Portrait
President George H. W. Bush and wife Barbara pose with their six children, their spouses and twelve grandchildren for a family portrait in Houston, Texas in 1991. Jenna and Barbara look pretty in their floral dresses, sitting nearby Laura in her red suit.
The Path to the Presidency
George gives a thumbs up to his supporters in 1994 after winning his first term as Governor of Texas.
A Second Term
George was elected for a second term and was sworn into office with his family by his side on Jan. 19, 1999, in Austin, Texas.
The White House
After asking her dad not to run for president in 2000, Jenna took a different approach in 2004. She began campaigning for her dad after graduating from the University of Texas at Austin that year.
On the Campaign Trail
Jenna and Barbara cheered George in the crucial voting state of Iowa in July 2004.
Summering in Maine
The family took full advantage of their grandfather’s stunning Kennebunkport, Maine house on Walker’s Point whenever they could.
Republican National Convention
Dad warmly embraced his daughters on stage at Madison Square Garden, during the final night of the Republican National Convention in New York on Sept. 2, 2004.
Greeting the Crowds
President Bush, with the first lady and the twins, made a final campaign push at a rally in Erie, Pennsylvania in 2004.
Family Support
The Bush family showed up to support George in one of his campaign debates against then-Senator John Kerry.
Family Group Hug
The Bush family has always been a tight-knit group and stuck by each other’s side through challenges and successes.
Biggest Cheerleaders
President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush were cheered by enthusiastic supporters, their daughters and Cindy McCain after the third and final presidential debate in Arizona in October 2004.
Election Day
The entire family heads back to the White House after voting together on Election Day in 2004 in Washington, D.C.
Hook ‘Em Horns
Jenna flashes the University of Texas ‘Longhorn’ hand sign as they attend the Texas State Society’s Black Tie and Boots Ball the night before George’s second inauguration.
Oath of Office
President Bush takes the oath of office from Chief Justice William Rehnquist with his family right by his side on a crisp winter morning at the US Capitol in 2005.
All Glammed Up
The Bush family was decked out in their formalwear finest as they attended the Constitution Ball on Jan. 20, 2005.
Meeting the Pope
Jenna greeted Pope Benedict XVI alongside her mom and dad at Andrews Air Force Base in April 2008.
Wedding Day
Jenna married Henry Hager, whom she met during the 2004 presidential campaign, at home instead of the White House. The wedding was held on May 10, 2008, at the Bush family’s Prairie Chapel Ranch in Crawford, Texas.
Three Generations
Former President George H.W. Bush and former First Lady Barbara Bush returned to the White House with their son, Laura and granddaughter Barbara, where they lived from 1989 until 1993.
Close Friends
It’s no secret that the Obama and Bush families are close friends despite sharing different policitial views. In May 2012, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama hosted a lunch for the Bush family. (And of course, George was next to his BFF Michelle.)
Dad of the Year
Barbara has always kept a lower public profile than Jenna, but it was sweet to see her present her dad with Father of the Year Award in 2015.
Touching Tribute
George clasped hands with Jenna after she spoke during the State Funeral for her grandfather at the National Cathedral on Dec. 5, 2018, in Washington, D.C.
Paying Respects
George, Laura and Barbara walk alongside the flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush as it arrives at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station, Texas.
Mutual Support
In 2019’s celebration of Season 70 of The Today Show, George and Laura made a special appearance on the show. Just like Jenna supported them over the years, they were there in full cheerleader mode too.
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