Laura Welch was born on November 4, 1946, in Midland, Texas. She was the only child of Harold Bruce Welch and Jenna Louise Hawkins. She became an elementary school teacher before earning a master's in library sciences in 1973 and then was a librarian until 1977. Laura met George W. Bush at a picnic in 1977. They had a very short courtship that led to their marriage on November 5, 1977. Together they have twin daughters, Jenna and Barbara.

Laura has spent her time as first lady championing education issues. Like her mother-in-law, Barbara Bush, she has placed literacy efforts at the cornerstone of her educational agenda. She has taken a less visible role in terms of affecting policy. However, she was the first president's wife to give the weekly president's address when she spoke about women in Afghanistan.