Family relationships play an important role in preserving and protecting a legacy, whether you’re establishing a new one or building on an existing one. At our In the Lead 2022 event, Former First Lady of the United States Laura Bush and her twin daughters Barbara Pierce Bush and Jenna Bush Hager shared how they pay tribute to their family name and find meaning in carving their own paths.

Finding inspiration from previous generations of their family, including former President of the United States George H.W. Bush and former First Lady Barbara Bush, Mrs. Laura Bush and her daughters spoke of the powerful legacy of love, patience and commitment. Mrs. Bush said her parents and in-laws loved each other and left a meaningful impact on their families by demonstrating how to be a good spouse and parent. A big part of that, she said, is to invest in spending time and being present with your family. Her daughters are passing the same lessons to their children.

“It speaks a lot to our parents that they were very present,” Barbara said. “They weren’t thinking about what their legacy was going to be; they were in the moment. Our parents are incredibly curious and love learning. That’s one reason I’m an entrepreneur; you have to learn while doing. That’s very much who our parents are.” 

Expanding a mutual love for reading

Jenna Bush Hager said it was her mother’s early career as a librarian and teacher and her grandmothers’ interest in books that fostered the impactful tradition and love of reading in their family. Mrs. Bush started the annual Texas Book Festival when she was First Lady of Texas, which raised money to buy books for the state public library system.¹

During her time as First Lady of the United States from 2001 to 2009, Mrs. Bush went on to start the National Book Festival, a place for readers and authors to celebrate, share and discuss the power of literature. Mrs. Bush’s love of reading became a strong influence in both her daughters’ lives, one that continues to this day. 

Jenna authored a bestselling book titled, “Ana’s Story: A Journey of Hope,” after visiting Latin America as an intern with the United Nations International Children’s Fund in 2006. Jenna also co-authored two children’s books with her mother, and a semi-autobiographical book with her sister they later adapted into an illustrated children’s book about sisterhood. 

“My nights when I get home from work are very much like the evenings I shared with Barbara and my mom, cuddled up in bed reading,” Jenna said. “I’m amazed at everything my mom has passed down to us, unknowingly and knowingly, and I hope to emulate just a little bit of that with my own kids.”