Brooke Shields has shared a fascinating glimpse into her past, revealing that she once turned to former President George H.W. Bush for relationship advice during her single days. Describing Bush as a “confidant” and likening him to a substitute grandfather, Shields affectionately referred to him as “Papa Bush.”
This revelation came during her conversation with Bush’s granddaughter, Lauren Bush Lauren, at the New York Celebration of Reading event held by the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. Shields recounted a time when she was dating a man whose father was an ambassador in Bermuda, and Bush was her go-to for insight on the relationship.
Shields, now 59, reminisced about receiving a personal phone call from Bush in 2010 while filming in Boston, not far from the Bush family’s summer retreat in Kennebunkport, Maine. He urged her to visit, stating, “Rumor has it, you’re close to Kennebunkport; if you do not come and visit me, young lady, you’re in big trouble.” Excited by the invitation, Shields quickly arranged for her husband, film director Chris Henchy, to join her.
Upon arriving, she humorously recounted how her husband had to play golf for the first time in years at the former president’s insistence, despite having only a limited experience with the sport.
During her visit, Shields found herself in a golf cart driven by Bush, who eagerly inquired about her relationship and offered his approval of Henchy. “How’s the relationship? Good kids. I like the guy,” Bush commented, leaving Henchy visibly nervous.
Shields expressed how much the Bushes meant to her, stating they felt like family and filling a void since she had few relatives. She praised Barbara Bush, highlighting the important role both George and Barbara played in her life. “They were that symbolism of grandparents for me,” Shields remarked.
The actress fondly recalled a lighter moment when the Bushes invited her to watch an episode of “CSI” with them, where she engaged in solving the mystery while enjoying their company.
In addition to this heartfelt remembrance, Shields is gearing up for the release of her upcoming book, “Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old,” set to launch in January 2025. She elaborated on the book’s themes of aging and societal expectations for women, explaining how it evolved into a broader conversation about age and identity.
The event also featured notable guests, including authors Jessamine Chan and Kirsten Miller, and literacy advocate Miss New York 2024, Abigail Quammen, alongside MSNBC anchor Ali Velshi, who contributed to the celebration of the late Barbara Bush’s legacy in literacy.
