If you just typed "is George Bush dead" into a search bar, you aren't alone. It’s one of those questions that pops up every few months, usually fueled by a blurry social media post or a confusing headline about a "President Bush" that doesn't specify which one.
To give you the short answer: George W. Bush (the 43rd President) is very much alive. His father, however, George H.W. Bush (the 41st President), passed away several years ago. This distinction is where most of the internet's confusion begins. Because we had two presidents with the same name, the news cycle for one often gets tangled with the legacy of the other.
Let's break down the reality of where things stand in 2026, the health of the 43rd President, and the history of the 41st.
The Passing of "41": George H.W. Bush
When people ask this question, they are often remembering the massive state funeral for the elder Bush. George Herbert Walker Bush died on November 30, 2018, at the age of 94.
He died at his home in Houston, Texas. Honestly, his passing felt like the end of an era for many Americans. He had been battling a form of Parkinson’s disease for years—specifically vascular parkinsonism—which eventually confined him to a wheelchair.
It’s worth noting that his death came just seven months after the passing of his wife, Barbara Bush. Many people at the time remarked that he seemed ready to go once she was gone. They had been married for 73 years. That’s a lifetime and then some.
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The funeral was a huge deal. Every living president at the time—Carter, Clinton, Obama, and Trump—sat in the same row at the National Cathedral. It was one of the last times we saw that kind of bipartisan gathering.
Where is George W. Bush Now?
So, what about "43"?
As of early 2026, George W. Bush is 79 years old and living a pretty active life. He spends most of his time at his ranch in Crawford, Texas, or his home in Dallas. If you’ve followed him lately, you know he hasn’t stayed in the political spotlight much. He’s basically traded the Situation Room for an art studio.
He took up oil painting years ago, and it wasn't just a phase. He’s actually published books of his portraits, specifically focusing on veterans and world leaders. It's a weirdly humanizing pivot for a guy who was once the most powerful man on earth.
Health-wise, he’s had some scares in the past—like a heart procedure in 2013 to open a blocked artery—but he’s frequently seen at public events looking pretty robust. Just this year, he’s scheduled for several high-profile speaking engagements, including a keynote at the Becker’s Hospital Review 16th Annual Meeting in April 2026. You don't book those kinds of gigs if you aren't doing well.
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Why the Confusion Persists
Internet death hoaxes are a real pain. Sometimes a "R.I.P. George Bush" page will trend on Facebook because of a bot, and suddenly everyone is texting their parents to see if it’s true.
Another reason for the mix-up? The names.
- George H.W. Bush: The dad. Passed in 2018.
- George W. Bush: The son. Currently alive.
- George P. Bush: The grandson (Jeb’s son). Very much alive and active in Texas politics.
When a news outlet runs a "This Day in History" segment about the elder Bush’s funeral, people scrolling through TikTok or X (formerly Twitter) see a clip of a casket and assume it’s happening now.
The Current Bush Legacy in 2026
George W. Bush has stayed remarkably quiet about current partisan bickering. He’s mostly focused on the Bush Institute and global health initiatives. His work with PEPFAR (the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) remains one of his most significant legacies, and he still travels and speaks to ensure that funding for global health stays on the table in Washington.
He’s also become a bit of a "grandfather of the nation" figure for some, often seen at sporting events or laughing with former First Lady Michelle Obama at various ceremonies. That cross-party friendship always seems to go viral because it’s so unexpected.
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What You Should Know
If you see a headline claiming George W. Bush has passed away, check a major news wire like the Associated Press or Reuters. A former president’s death is a "stop the world" kind of event. It won't just be a random post on a gossip site; it will be on every single screen in the country.
Summary of the Facts:
- George H.W. Bush (41): Died Nov 30, 2018.
- George W. Bush (43): Alive, 79 years old, painting and speaking in 2026.
- Location: Primarily Dallas and Crawford, Texas.
- Recent Activity: Keynote speaker for major conventions in 2026.
If you're looking to keep up with what the 43rd president is actually doing, the best place is the official George W. Bush Presidential Center website. They post his actual schedule and updates on his paintings and policy work. Don't let the social media rumors get ya—unless it's on the nightly news with a "Breaking News" banner, "W" is likely just at the ranch enjoying his retirement.
Next Steps:
- Verify any "breaking news" via the Associated Press or Reuters.
- Visit the George W. Bush Presidential Center website to see his 2026 initiative updates.
- If you're interested in his post-presidency life, check out his book Portraits of Courage.