Jeb Bush has been married to his wife, Columba Garnica Gallo—now Columba Bush—for over five decades. Born in Arperos, a small community in León, Guanajuato, Mexico, Columba is of Mexican-American heritage.
She first moved to the United States at the age of three with her parents. After her parents divorced and her father passed away, Columba and her mother returned to León, where she attended Instituto Antonia Mayllen.
Here’s a closer look at Bush’s life with Columba, their long-standing marriage, and the children they’ve raised together.
When Did Jeb Meet His Future Wife, Columba?
Jeb was 17 when he met 16-year-old Columba in the town of León, in central Mexico. At the time, he was an exchange student from Phillips Academy, spending the summer teaching English and helping build a school. Columba was living there with her mother and two siblings.
After Jeb returned home, the two stayed in touch through letters and phone calls. He also made frequent visits to see her, and their long-distance connection slowly grew into something lasting.
They Got Married in 1974
After three years of dating, Jeb and his wife, Columba, got married on February 23, 1974, in the campus chapel at the University of Texas in Austin. Jeb was nearing graduation with a degree in Latin American studies, while Columba had completed two years of college in Mexico.
She didn’t yet speak English fluently at the time, so part of the ceremony was conducted in Spanish.
Reflecting on her early dreams, Columba once said, “I was going to live in Paris and be a fiction writer. That was my golden dream.” Instead, her life shifted toward public service, supporting her father-in-law, former President George H. W. Bush, and later her husband Jeb through years of political campaigns.
Columba Faced Criticism for Her Spending but Remained Committed to Philanthropy
While Columba has often supported her husband during major political campaigns, she’s also faced criticism, particularly for her spending habits. During Jeb Bush’s 2016 presidential bid, she made headlines for a high-profile purchase reported in February 2015.
According to The Washington Post, Columba took out a $42,311 loan from a Florida jeweler to purchase a Bulgari diamond bracelet and other luxury items—all in a single day. Records filed by Mayors Jewellers of Miami revealed that over a 15-year period, she had taken out approximately $90,000 in loans. Among her more recent purchases were an $11,700 Rolex watch and a $9,500 pair of earrings.
Despite the scrutiny, Columba has remained active in charitable and advocacy work. She’s been a longtime supporter of the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, and Arts for Life—a program that awards scholarships to young artists.
She has also focused on raising awareness about drug and alcohol abuse, contributing to prevention efforts through initiatives like the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).
Their Children
Jeb and Columba Bush have three children: George Prescott Bush, Noelle Lucila Bush, and John Ellis “Jeb” Bush Jr.
Their eldest, George, was born on April 24, 1976, in Texas. He attended Gulliver Preparatory School, studied at Rice University, and later earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Texas School of Law. George has built a career in law and politics, serving as the commissioner of the Texas General Land Office from 2015 to 2023.
Their daughter, Noelle, was born on July 26, 1977, also in Texas. Over the years, she has faced public struggles related to substance abuse, which drew occasional media attention.
Their youngest child, Jeb Jr., was born on December 13, 1983, in Miami. A graduate of The Bolles School, he currently works in commercial real estate at a firm based in Miami, Florida.
Jeb and Columba are now grandparents to four—two grandchildren from each of their sons. The family resides in Coral Gables, Florida.
