The Bush dynasty has become widely known in the areas of entertainment, sports, and business. However, politics still remains their defining field. Having produced two US Presidents in the past, the family has equally produced the likes of Jeb Bush who was the former Florida State Governor. While Jeb has been in the limelight for a long while, here we bring you all the interesting facts you need to know about his doting wife, Columba Bush.
Columba is renowned for her stint as the former First Lady of Florida. She served in this capacity for eight years starting from 1999 to 2007. Although she is not a politician, Columba’s marriage to Jeb has exposed her to the nitty-gritty of politics. That being said, she has played prominent roles during her husband’s campaign as well as that of his brother George W. Bush and her father-in-law George H. W. Bush.
Beyond that, she is also an art lover and a philanthropist. Notably, while she was in office, she helped organize art exhibitions for Florida artists. She equally campaigned against domestic violence and drug abuse. Guess you want to know more about this amazing lady? Learn more about her in these facts below.
6 Facts You Need to Know about Columba Bush
Early Life and Family Background
Born Columba Garnica Gallo on the 17th day of 1953, Jeb Bush’s wife was born in the community 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 didn’t experience a stable childhood as her parents’ marriage crumbled in 1956 when she was just 3. After her parent’s divorce 1963, Columba remained in Leon with her mother and two siblings – a sister named Lucila del Carmen Schmitz (b. 1951) and a brother named Francisco Jose Garnica (b. 1949).
For her education, Jeb’s wife is very educated; according to sources, she went to a private Catholic school called Instituto Antonia Mayllen. The school is situated in Leon, Mexico.
Relationship and Marriage to Jeb Bush
Columba Bush’s relationship with Jeb began several years ago while they were still teenagers. These two met when Jeb was working as an English teacher in Ibarrilla village Mexico. At the time, Jeb was 17 while Columba was a year younger. They fell in love in what Jeb has described as love at first sight and afterward, they hit things off.
A few years later, in 1974, the couple exchanged marital vows. Their wedding took place at the Catholic student center chapel in the University of Texas. At the time of their marriage, Columba didn’t speak English which led to a part of the wedding ceremony being conducted in Spanish. Soon after their wedding, Columba was granted US citizenship in 1979. The iconic couple has been together for over four decades and counting. They currently reside in Coral Gables, Florida.
Columba Bush and Her Husband, Jeb Has Three Children
Columba Bush and her husband has been enjoying a flourishing marital life to date. Meanwhile, they are parents to three children – Noelle, George, and John Bush. Their first child, George P. Bush was born in 1976 and the following, 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 also become successful in their various career paths. Through their children’s marriage, the couple now has a total of four grandchildren (2 by George and the other 2 by John Bush).
Her Career
Columba Bush is famed for not just being the wife of Jeb Bush but also for her role as the former First Lady of Florida. Following her husband’s triumph in the 1998 election, Columba was installed as the First Lady alongside her husband on 5th January 1999. She served in that capacity for eight years ending in January 2007.
While in office, she pulled a lot of stunts to the amazement of the people of Florida. Known by her strong work ethics, she advocated for a Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence, helped establish a center called Arts for Life which helps in promoting arts and giving scholarships to young artists, among others. Leaving her office in 2007, she was succeeded by Carole Crist.
Check Out: Kamala Harris – Bio, Family, and Net Worth
She Has Used Her Office to Fight Against Drug Abuse, Domestic Violence, and Promoting Arts
While Columba Bush has always loved keeping a low profile, she has made a huge impact on the lives of many Americans. During her time as the First Lady of the US State of Florida, Columba used her power to champion various causes including raising awareness about domestic violence, drug, and substance abuse as well as promoting the works of art. She organized several art exhibitions for Florida artists and also collaborated with other agencies such as the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence, etc.
Columba Bush’s Net Worth
Although she has had an impressive career, Columba Bush’s net worth is currently not known. However, her husband is said to have a net worth of over $22 million. More so, the Bush family is said to be one of the richest in the United States with a net worth of over $400 million.
