Brooke Shields Recounts Hilarious Bedroom Encounter with George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush
Actress and model Brooke Shields recently shared a comical anecdote about her unexpected intrusion into the bedroom of former President George H.W. Bush and former First Lady Barbara Bush, an incident stemming from a well-intentioned but ultimately misguided attempt to avert a perceived flooding disaster at their Kennebunkport, Maine home. The tale emerged during Shields’ guest co-hosting appearance on "Today with Jenna and Friends" alongside Jenna Bush Hager, the granddaughter of the former presidential couple, adding a layer of personal connection to the story.
Shields’ relationship with the Bushes began years prior, blossoming into a warm friendship in the 1980s. This bond led to an invitation for Shields and her daughters to stay at their Walker’s Point compound in Kennebunkport. As Shields explained, the invitation was extended in a manner characteristic of the elder Bush’s direct and somewhat playful personality. "I was doing a movie in Boston, and I get a phone call — doesn’t say who he is — literally says, ‘Excuse me, young lady, I hear you’re in the area. If you do not come to Kennebunkport, you are in trouble, young lady,’ and of course, that was Papa Bush," Shields recounted, emphasizing the endearing nature of the gesture.
Embarking on the trip with her daughters, Rowan and Grier, Shields anticipated a pleasant stay. However, the peaceful atmosphere was disrupted when, after putting her children to bed, Shields noticed what she perceived to be significant flooding in the living room. Believing that ocean water was inundating the house, she felt compelled to alert the Bushes immediately.
In a state of considerable panic, Shields realized she was the only one awake and available to address the supposed emergency. "I’m panicking, right? And I’m thinking, ‘Oh, my God, I gotta tell somebody, but nobody’s in the house!’" she exclaimed, highlighting the urgency and anxiety she felt in that moment.
Driven by a sense of responsibility and a desire to prevent further damage, Shields made the bold decision to enter the Bushes’ private bedroom. Bracing herself for the potential awkwardness of the situation, she proceeded downstairs. "So, I go to the downstairs bedroom and, like, with the fear of God [in me]," Shields revealed, setting the stage for the ensuing humorous encounter.
Upon entering the room, Shields found the former president and first lady engaged in a typically relaxed evening activity. They were comfortably settled in their respective BarcaLoungers and La-Z-Boys, enjoying TV dinners while engrossed in an episode of "Law & Order: SVU." The normalcy of the scene contrasted sharply with the frantic urgency that Shields was experiencing.
Adding to the comedic element of the situation, Shields noted that Barbara Bush was wearing a dressing gown, prompting Shields to instinctively shield her eyes out of respect and embarrassment. "They had their little TV dinners, their little BarcaLoungers, their little La-Z-Boys, and they were watching [‘Law and Order] SVU… I shielded her eyes because Barbara was in her dressing gown," Shields described, evoking a vivid and amusing image.
Despite her initial apprehension, Shields managed to convey her concern about the potential flooding. "And I’m like, ‘I just want to tell you that I think the house might have flooded, but I think I got it,’" she stammered, still covering her eyes as she recalled the moment to Hager.
However, Barbara Bush’s reaction was far from the alarm that Shields had anticipated. Instead of panicking or rushing to assess the situation, the former first lady remained remarkably calm and unconcerned. She insisted that Shields join them, inviting her to sit between their chairs and watch the remainder of the "Law & Order: SVU" episode.
Further adding to the surreal nature of the encounter, Barbara Bush turned to her husband and suggested that Shields might be able to provide insight into the plot of the television show. "She’s like, ‘George, maybe Brooke can answer this question… Ask her, ask her.’ He goes, ‘Well, who do you think did it?’" Shields recounted, emphasizing the unexpected turn of events.
Shields, initially flustered and embarrassed, found herself drawn into the Bushes’ relaxed and engaging presence. She calmed down, joined in the conversation, and ended up enjoying the rest of the evening with the couple. Reflecting on the experience, Shields remarked, "I was like, ‘This is a moment of my life that was so special.’"
Hager, visibly touched by the story, expressed her gratitude to Shields for sharing the anecdote about her grandparents. The Bushes’ passing in 2018, just months apart, left a void in the lives of many, including Hager, who had a particularly close relationship with her grandfather.
Shields elaborated on the personal significance of her connection with George H.W. Bush, explaining that he had filled a paternal role in her life. "I never had a grandfather, and since I was quite young, he [George] would give me boy advice and be like, ‘OK, I like that one. I don’t like this one,’ so it was a very sweet relationship that I needed to have and hadn’t had anyone else," Shields shared, revealing the depth of their bond.
The story of Brooke Shields’ unexpected bedroom encounter with the Bushes offers a glimpse into the warmth, humor, and genuine connection that characterized their relationship. It highlights the former president and first lady’s down-to-earth nature and their ability to make others feel comfortable and welcome, even in the most unusual circumstances. The anecdote serves as a reminder of the enduring power of friendship and the special bonds that can form across generations and social strata.
