You might think that after moving out of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, a former First Lady would just... stop. Kick back in Crawford, maybe paint some landscapes, and enjoy the Texas heat. But honestly, that’s not really the Laura Bush way. If you’ve been wondering what Laura Bush today is actually up to, the answer is a lot more than just hosting the occasional library gala or appearing in a family Christmas card.
At 79, she’s remarkably active. She isn’t just a figurehead; she’s a hands-on advocate working on everything from Afghan women’s rights to school library grants that are literally putting books in the hands of kids this very month. It’s a quiet sort of power. No shouting on cable news. Just steady, library-science-informed work.
The 2026 Literacy Push
One of the biggest things on her plate right now is the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries. We’re currently in the thick of the 2025-2026 grant cycle. Basically, if you’re a librarian at a Title I school and your shelves are looking a little thin, her foundation is the one cutting the checks. They’ve already given out over $23 million since the start.
But it's not just about the money. It's about what the books are. Lately, she’s been pushing for more Spanish-language publications and e-books to meet kids where they actually live. She still reads a ton, too. The Laura Bush Book Club is still a major event at the Bush Center in Dallas. In fact, for May 2026, she’s already lined up a conversation with author Allison Pataki to talk about her new novel, It Girl.
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If you grew up with the National Book Festival, you’ve got her to thank. She’s still the honorary chair for the Texas Book Festival, which keeps her deeply embedded in the Austin literary scene. She’s a librarian at heart. Always has been.
Health Advocacy and the "Brain Powerful" Movement
You’ve probably seen the "Red Dress" campaign for heart health, but Laura Bush today has shifted much of her focus toward the brain. It makes sense. As the population ages, she’s become a lead voice for the "Be Brain Powerful" campaign.
It’s a 30-day challenge that encourages women to monitor things like:
- Daily mood shifts
- Stress levels
- Sleep quality
- Memory "glitches"
She’s been very vocal about the fact that scientists used to do almost all their research on men. She’s pushing to change that. Her namesake institute—the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health—is currently funding seed grants for sex-based medical research. They are looking at why certain diseases hit women differently. It’s gritty, scientific work that doesn't always make the headlines but changes how doctors treat us.
Life at Prairie Chapel Ranch
So, what about the personal side? Jenna Bush Hager recently spilled some tea on Today with Jenna & Friends about her mom’s "beauty routine." Apparently, it involves almost no luxury products.
Laura Bush is a drugstore shopper.
She reportedly gets her makeup at places like CVS or the local Texas equivalent, H-E-B. She’s famously low-maintenance about her appearance, which is kind of refreshing in an era of 12-step skincare routines and heavy filters. She and George are still very much in love, often seen together at SMU events or baseball games. They’ve been married over 48 years now. That’s a lifetime in political years.
The Global Mission: Afghan Women
While she’s a "Texas girl" through and through, her eyes are often on Kabul. Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan, she hasn’t been quiet. Through the Bush Institute, she’s been working with the U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council to find ways to support female refugees and those still in the country.
It’s a tough, uphill battle. Honestly, it’s one of the few things that seems to really fire her up in interviews. She views the education of girls as a non-negotiable human right. She’s used her platform to remind the world that "free people must stand with Afghan women," even when the news cycle has moved on to other things.
Conservation and "Texan by Nature"
If you follow her on social media, you’ll see a lot of butterflies and native grasses. She’s a massive conservationist. Her organization, Texan by Nature, works with businesses to protect the Texas landscape. She’s not an "environmentalist" in the way Hollywood usually portrays it; she’s a pragmatist. She wants to make sure the monarch butterflies still have a place to land when they migrate through the Hill Country.
What’s Next for the Former First Lady?
As we approach the United States Semiquincentennial (that’s the 250th birthday) in July 2026, expect to see her more often. She’s involved in the "America Gives" initiative, which is trying to make 2026 the biggest year for volunteerism in history.
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If you want to keep up with her or get involved in her projects, here are the best ways to do it:
- Check your local school library: See if they qualify for a Laura Bush Foundation grant. The next application window usually opens in the fall.
- Join the Brain Health Challenge: You can sign up through the UsAgainstAlzheimer’s website to get her 30-day brain health tips.
- Visit the Bush Center: If you’re in Dallas, the museum often has exhibits curated with her input, focusing on her "First Lady" initiatives and her love for the National Parks.
She isn't just a part of history. She's still very much a part of the present. Whether it's through a book, a library grant, or a research study on women's hearts, her footprint in 2026 remains surprisingly deep.