Brooke Shields Recalls Embarrassing Encounter with Barbara Bush

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Brooke Shields shared an unexpected and humorous story about her encounters with former President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush during a recent episode of “Today with Jenna and Friends,” aired on March 20, 2025.

During the episode, the 59-year-old actress told host Jenna Bush Hager about her longtime relationship with the Bush family, which began in the 1980s when she was invited to the White House for an Easterseals event. “I met your grandparents in the ‘80s. I was so young. I never had a grandfather, so he would give me boy advice and say, ‘Okay, I like that one. I don’t like this one.’ It was a very sweet relationship,” Shields recalled.

Shields recounted a memorable experience during her adult years when she was invited to stay at the Bushes’ Kennebunkport, Maine, retreat. While visiting, she found herself in a precarious situation. “I was doing a movie in Boston when I received a mysterious phone call that said, ‘Excuse me, young lady. I hear you’re in the area. If you do not come to Kennebunkport, you are in trouble,'” Shields shared, laughing as she recounted the voice of “Papa Bush.”

Excited to bring her daughters to meet the former first couple, Shields described a moment that turned dramatic while she was enjoying some downtime in the house. “I sneaked downstairs to do a puzzle and get a beer, and as I did, I noticed water flooding into the living room from the ocean,” she said. “I was immediately alarmed and started shutting doors and grabbing towels to soak up the water.”

In her frantic rush, Shields approached the downstairs bedroom to inform the Bushes of the potential flood. However, she was caught off guard when she found Barbara Bush in her dressing gown. “I said, ‘Excuse me! I think the house might have flooded, but I think I’ve got it,'” Shields said. Barbara urged her to come inside, sparking a lighthearted moment. “George, maybe Brooke can answer this question. Sit down,” Barbara said.

The actress found herself kneeling between the former president and first lady, catching an episode of “Law & Order: SVU.” George H.W. Bush then playfully asked, “Well, who do you think did it?” Shields responded with humor, stating, “I don’t know who did it, but it’s probably the person who you think least did it.”

Reflecting on the surreal experience, Shields expressed appreciation for the unforgettable moment. “This was a moment of my life that was so special,” she said. Following the flood situation, Barbara praised Shields for her quick thinking, exclaiming, “Honey, she saved our house!”

The encounter serves as a reminder of the bonds formed in unexpected circumstances. Jenna Bush Hager mused on the influence of her grandfather, noting, “It’s so interesting, he was that person for a lot of people.”