The Bush dynasty has become widely known in the fields of entertainment, sports, and business. Yet politics still remains its defining field. After producing two US presidents in the past, the family also produced Jeb Bush, the former governor of the state of Florida. While Jeb has long been in the spotlight, here we bring you all the interesting facts about his devoted wife Columba Bush.
Columba is known for her work as the former First Lady of Florida. She served in this capacity for eight years, from 1999 to 2007, and although she is not a politician, her marriage to Jeb exposes her to the political explosiveness of politics. Nevertheless, she has played a prominent role during her husband’s election campaign, as well as that of his brother George W. Bush and her father-in-law George H. W. Bush.
She is also an art lover and philanthropist. During her tenure, she helped organize art exhibitions for artists from Florida in particular. She also campaigned against domestic violence and drug abuse. I guess you want to know more about this amazing lady? Learn more about her in the following facts.
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6 Facts You Need to Know about Columba Bush
Early Life and Family Background
Jeb Bush was born on the 17th day of 1953 as Columba Garnica Gallo. His wife was born in the municipality of Arperos, in the city of Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico. She is the daughter of Jose Maria Garnica Rodriguez, a Mexican immigrant who worked as a waiter, and his wife, Josefina Gallo Esquivel.
Columba did not have a stable childhood as her parents’ marriage broke up in 1956 when she was only 3 years old. In 1963, after the divorce of her parents, Columba remained in Leon with her mother and two siblings – a sister named Lucila del Carmen Schmitz (born in 1951) and a brother named Francisco Jose Garnica (born in 1949).
Jeb’s wife is very educated for her education; according to sources, she attended a private Catholic school called Instituto Antonia Mayllen. The school is located in Leon, Mexico.
Relationship and Marriage to Jeb Bush
The relationship between Columba Bush and Jeb began a few years ago when they were teenagers. The two met when Jeb was working as an English teacher in the village of Ibarrilla in Mexico. Jeb was 17 years old at the time, while Columba was a year younger. They fell in love with what Jeb described as love at first sight, and after that, they got along well.
A few years later, in 1974, the couple exchanged vows. Their wedding took place in the chapel of the Catholic Student Center at the University of Texas. At the time of their marriage, Columba did not speak English, which meant that part of the wedding ceremony was held in Spanish. Shortly after their marriage, Columba received US citizenship in 1979. The iconic couple have been together for over four decades and the number is growing. They currently live in Coral Gables, Florida.
Columba Bush and her husband Jeb have three children.
Columba Bush and her husband have had a thriving married life. They are now parents of three children – Noelle, George and John Bush. Their first child, George P. Bush, was born in 1976, and their only daughter, Noelle Bush, was born in 1977. Their last son, John Ellis Bush Jr. was born in 1983.
Just like Jeb and Columba Bush, their children have been successful in their various career paths. Through the marriage of their children, the couple now has a total of four grandchildren (2 by George and the other 2 by John Bush).
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Her Career
Columba Bush is not only known as the wife of Jeb Bush, but also as the former First Lady of Florida. After her husband’s triumph in the 1998 elections, Columba was appointed First Lady at her husband’s side on January 5, 1999. She served in this capacity for eight years until January 2007.
During her tenure, she performed many feats to the astonishment of the Florida people. Known for her strong work ethic, she lobbied for a Florida coalition against domestic violence and helped found a center called Arts for Life, which among other things helps promote the arts and awards scholarships to young artists. In 2007 she left her office and was replaced by Carole Crist.
She Has Used Her Office to Fight Against Drug Abuse, Domestic Violence, and Promoting Arts
Although Columba Bush has always loved to keep a low profile, she has had a major impact on the lives of many Americans. During her time as First Lady of the State of Florida, Columba used her power to advocate for various causes, including domestic violence education, drug and substance abuse, and the promotion of art. She organized several art exhibitions for artists from Florida and also worked with other organizations such as the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence, etc.
Columba Bush Net Worth
Although she has had an impressive career, the net worth of Columba Bush is currently unknown. However, her husband is said to have a net worth in excess of $22 million. In addition, the Bush family is said to be among the richest in the United States with a net worth in excess of $400 million.
