The Bush Legacy: Father and Son Presidents Who Shaped American History

Prescott Bush was a U.S. Senator from Connecticut (1952-1963) and the father of President George H.W. Bush and grandfather of President George W. Bush. Born in 1895, he was a successful investment banker before entering politics. Known for his moderate Republican stance, he supported civil rights and environmental policies. Prescott played a key role in establishing the Bush family's political legacy, which has had a lasting impact on American politics. He passed away in 1972.

Dorothy Walker Bush, born on July 1, 1901, was the matriarch of the Bush family and the mother of President George H.W. Bush and grandmother of President George W. Bush. A strong and influential figure, Dorothy instilled values of public service, humility, and integrity in her children. She was married to Senator Prescott Bush and played a key role in supporting her family's political ambitions. Dorothy's legacy of service and leadership is reflected in the Bush family’s continued prominence. She passed away in 1992.

Prescott S. Bush, Jr., born in 1922, was the elder brother of President George H.W. Bush and a successful businessman involved in international trade. He contributed to Republican politics and supported his family’s political legacy, though he never sought higher office himself. Known for his role in fostering U.S. international relations, Prescott also engaged in civic and philanthropic efforts throughout his life. He passed away in 2010, continuing the Bush family's influence in public service and business.

George H. W. Bush, born on June 12, 1924, in Milton, Massachusetts, was the 41st President of the United States (1989-1993). Before his presidency, Bush had a distinguished career in public service. He served as a Navy pilot during World War II, later becoming a successful businessman in Texas. Bush entered politics in the 1960s, serving as a congressman, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and director of the CIA. He was also vice president under Ronald Reagan from 1981 to 1989.
As president, Bush is best remembered for his foreign policy achievements, including overseeing the end of the Cold War, managing the Gulf War, and leading the U.S. response to the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Domestically, his presidency faced economic challenges and he lost his re-election bid to Bill Clinton in 1992.

Barbara Bush, born on June 8, 1925, was the wife of President George H.W. Bush and the mother of President George W. Bush, making her one of only two women in U.S. history to be both a First Lady and the mother of a president. As First Lady from 1989 to 1993, Barbara was known for her advocacy in promoting family literacy, founding the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. She was admired for her down-to-earth demeanor, wit, and strong commitment to public service. Barbara Bush passed away on April 17, 2018, leaving a lasting legacy of service and compassion.

Nancy Walker Bush Ellis, born on February 4, 1926, was the sister of President George H.W. Bush and the aunt of President George W. Bush. She was a prominent political figure and philanthropist, actively supporting education, health care, and environmental causes. Despite her family's Republican legacy, Nancy was known for supporting Democratic candidates later in life. Her contributions to charitable work and her unique political perspective distinguished her within the Bush family. She passed away in January 2021.

Jonathan Bush, born in 1931, was the brother of President George H.W. Bush and uncle of President George W. Bush. A successful businessman, he founded J. Bush & Co., a firm specializing in insurance and healthcare-related investments. Jonathan was also a key figure in the healthcare industry, serving as CEO of Athenahealth, a medical billing company. Known for his strong business acumen, Jonathan supported his family’s political endeavors while maintaining a low political profile. He passed away in 2021.

William H. T. "Bucky" Bush, born in 1938, was the younger brother of President George H.W. Bush and the uncle of President George W. Bush. A businessman and financier, Bucky had a successful career in banking and investment, notably serving as the chairman of Bush-O'Donnell & Co., an investment firm based in St. Louis, Missouri. Though less involved in politics than his brothers, he supported the Bush family’s political campaigns and remained a trusted advisor. Bucky Bush passed away in 2018, leaving a legacy in both business and the extended Bush family’s political influence.

George W. Bush, born on July 6, 1946, is the 43rd President of the United States, serving from 2001 to 2009. The son of President George H.W. Bush, George W. was born into a prominent political family. Before his presidency, Bush served as the Governor of Texas from 1995 to 2000, focusing on education reform, tax cuts, and criminal justice.
As president, Bush’s tenure was defined by the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, which led to the War on Terror, including the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. His administration also oversaw significant domestic policies, such as tax reforms and the No Child Left Behind Act. However, his presidency faced criticism for the handling of Hurricane Katrina and the 2008 financial crisis.
After leaving office, Bush turned his focus to philanthropy, working on veteran assistance programs, global health initiatives, and writing his memoir Decision Points. Despite controversies, he remains an influential figure in Republican politics.

Laura Bush, born on November 4, 1946, is the wife of President George W. Bush and served as First Lady of the United States from 2001 to 2009. A former librarian and teacher, she focused on education, literacy, and women's health during her tenure. Laura is known for her advocacy in promoting global literacy and for her calm, gracious demeanor. She has continued her philanthropic work post-White House, supporting initiatives related to education, health, and human rights.

Robin Bush, born Pauline Robinson Bush on December 20, 1949, was the second child of President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush. Tragically, Robin was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of three and passed away on October 11, 1953, at just four years old. Her death deeply affected the Bush family, shaping their outlook on life and public service. Robin's memory remained a cherished part of the Bush family legacy throughout their lives.

Jeb Bush, born on February 11, 1953, is the son of President George H.W. Bush and the brother of President George W. Bush. He served as the Governor of Florida from 1999 to 2007, focusing on education reform, tax cuts, and disaster recovery. Jeb ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016 but lost to Donald Trump. Known for his moderate conservative views, Jeb remains active in public policy, business, and philanthropy, contributing to national debates on key issues.

Neil Bush, born on January 22, 1955, is the son of President George H.W. Bush and the brother of President George W. Bush. A businessman and investor, Neil has been involved in various business ventures, including in the energy and education sectors. He gained attention during the 1980s for his involvement in the Silverado Savings and Loan controversy, though he was not criminally charged. Neil is also the founder and chairman of the George H.W. Bush Foundation for U.S.-China Relations and continues to be active in philanthropy and international affairs.

Marvin P. Bush, born on October 22, 1956, is the youngest son of President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush, and the brother of President George W. Bush. A businessman, Marvin has had a successful career in finance and investment, including serving on the board of directors for HCC Insurance Holdings. While he keeps a lower profile than his political siblings, Marvin has supported his family's political campaigns and remains involved in various philanthropic and business endeavors.

Dorothy Bush Koch, born on August 18, 1959, is the daughter of President George H.W. Bush and the sister of President George W. Bush. She is the only daughter of the former president and has been actively involved in philanthropy, particularly with the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. Dorothy, also known as "Doro," is an author and event organizer, and she wrote the book My Father, My President, reflecting on her father's life and legacy.

Barbara Pierce Bush, born on November 25, 1981, is the daughter of President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush. She is a well-known health care activist and co-founder of Global Health Corps, an organization that mobilizes young leaders to address health inequities worldwide. Along with her twin sister Jenna, Barbara grew up in the public eye, but has focused her career on humanitarian work, particularly in global health.