Name at birth: Laura Welch

As the wife of George W. Bush, Laura Bush was First Lady of the United States from 2001-2009. She holds a bachelor's degree in education from Southern Methodist University and a master's degree in library science from the University of Texas; after graduation she worked as an elementary school teacher and a librarian in Texas schools. She married Bush in 1977. During her husband's years as governor of Texas (1995-2001), Laura Bush became known as an advocate for education and literacy -- issues she continued to pursue in the White House during her husband's two terms as president (2001-09). She published a memoir, Spoken From the Heart, in 2010. The Bushes have twin daughters, Barbara and Jenna Bush.

Laura Bush was succeeded as First Lady by Michelle Obama on 20 January 2009.