Source: Lifetime Television

In a Rare Interview, Viewers Learn Mrs. Bush's Thoughts on Her Childhood, Her Husband, Family and Friendships, Public Life, Events of September 11th and Much More

Exclusive Interviews Include Mrs. Bush, Former President George Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush, Dr. Condoleezza Rice and Many Other Family Members and Friends

NEW YORK, July 29th, 2003 -- Lifetime Television's hour-long series "INTIMATE PORTRAIT" celebrates its landmark 300th episode with a rare, in-depth profile of Laura Bush. "Intimate Portrait: Laura Bush" premieres Monday, September 8 at 7PM (ET/PT) on LIFETIME TELEVISION.

From growing up as an only child in Texas to joining one of America's most powerful political families; from the hard-fought Presidential election of 2000 to life in the White House; from her role following the tragic events of September 11th to her longer-term goals; for the first time viewers will hear Mrs. Bush's fascinating, personal story in her own words. The profile also includes new interviews with Mrs. Bush's family and close friends, including former President George Bush and former First Lady Barbara Bush and National Security Advisor Dr. Condoleezza Rice.

"Lifetime is honored to profile Laura Bush for our 'Intimate Portrait' series and we are thrilled that she is helping to commemorate the milestone of our 300th episode," said Allison Wallach, Vice President, Original Programming. "What is remarkable about her interview is that, despite the great power and spotlight she shares, she is truly one of us -- sharing some her most personal and inspiring memories and experiences as a daughter, wife, mother, girlfriend and advocate."
Poignant revelations include:

* What the former President Bush thought of Laura and George Bush's fast, three-month courtship: "I wasn't particularly surprised that they were madly in love and married shortly after meeting. That was what you call in golf a 'gimme' if it's right. And everybody said this is right for both of them. It was pretty clear that this was going to work, and work well."

* What gift President Bush gave his wife that made her cry: "One Christmas I opened a little package and it was a little porcelain replica of the library at my university, Southern Methodist University. And in it was the note that my husband was giving the garden, the promenade that goes up to the library at my university. And it was a huge surprise, but it was also really the nicest gift he's ever given me. It made me weep when I opened that present and saw it."

* What has been one of the most powerful moments for Mrs. Bush during the war in Iraq? "My husband and I visited Walter Reed and Bethesda, both hospitals where the soldiers who were wounded in Iraq were. There were two soldiers who were wounded in Iraq, neither of whom were American citizens and we got to be there as they were sworn in as American citizens. They were both injured. I mean, one was on an IV so his hand shook when he raised his right hand to be sworn in as a citizen and their family members were there and their family members wept. We wept. It was just a very, very moving time."

* In a life of rare opportunities and experiences, what has been Mrs.
Bush's fondest memory: "One of my happiest memories is watching him [President Bush] lie on the floor reading Doctor's Seuss' "Hop on Pop" to the girls and they would take it literally and hop on pop, start to jump on him as little babies in their little Doctor Denton pajamas with their feet in it. It was such a really precious sight and a memory I'll always have."

Mrs. Bush also shares:
* How she felt joining the "boisterous" Bush clan;
* Why she and the President almost adopted twins and why her daughters are
such a miracle;
* Her reaction to the cliche image of the shy librarian;
* Where she was and who she called first following the tragedy of
September 11th;
* How she has spent her special birthdays with her girlfriends;
* How she has felt having to give up a degree of privacy to be a public
figure;
* Why she feels a sense of urgency to make a difference on issues;
* Who still brings her coffee every morning;
* And many other insightful and moving stories.

Following the "Intimate Portrait," Lifetime will air a new public service announcement with Mrs. Bush encouraging women to learn about the signs, the risks and how to prevent heart disease, one of the issues that Mrs. Bush actively champions.

"INTIMATE PORTRAIT," which initially premiered in November 1996, has profiled numerous well-known women in various fields, ranging from film and television personalities to musical artists, journalists, politicians and activists.