Bush twins talk degrees, books and Barbies

Published May 28, 2010 4:00am EST | Updated January 10, 2024 10:18am EST



So how’s that Ivy League degree treating you, Barbara Bush?

The elder, Yale-educated Bush twin spent Wednesday discussing her career path, one that led her into the nonprofit world, and conceded that her twin sister, a graduate from the University of Texas, may have one-upped her.

“To be honest, my sister should basically be supporting me right now,” she said with laughter at a luncheon at the National Press Club.

The quieter Bush was there to talk about her organization, Global Health Corps, but having Jenna Bush Hager sitting at her side led to a lot of questions about their upbringing and relationship as well.

“It was no surprise when Jenna wrote a book because when we were little Jenna loved playing Barbies, and her scenarios between the Barbies were the most dramatic, drawn-out situations that you could imagine,” Barbara Bush offered, as her sister, a teacher and contributor to the “Today” show, cracked up. Bush also looked to her sister for guidance when asked if the duo would ever pen a joint memoir. They both shook their heads. “Probably not,” Bush said sheepishly. “We don’t know if there’s a market for that.”

Jenna Bush Hager also had a reaction when Barbara Bush was asked if her Ivy League degree would ensure she would have a better career and more financial success than the “Today” show contributor.

“That’s not fair,” Jenna Bush Hager mouthed.

Nikki Schwab serves on the Speakers Committee at the National Press Club.