Honoring Barbara Pierce Bush’s 100th Birthday & Her Literacy Legacy
Limited Edition, Commemorative Butterfly Pin Available for Purchase Now!
The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation and renowned jewelry designer Kenneth Jay Lane are partnering to celebrate what will have been Barbara Bush’s 100th birthday on June 8, 2025. Kenneth Jay Lane has designed a stunning, limited-edition butterfly pin to raise awareness and commemorate the special occasion. Proceeds from the sale of the pins will advance her literacy legacy through the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation. Each pin costs $100 and can be purchased on the Kenneth Jay Lane and Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation websites.
“We are honored to collaborate with the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation on creating a beautiful piece to commemorate one of our nation’s most beloved first lady’s, Barbara Bush, and leverage our international, iconic brand to give back to the important cause of literacy.”
— Chris Sheppard, CEO of Kenneth Jay Lane
It’s All In The Details
Measuring roughly 2.5” (65mm) across at wingtip and 2.25” (60mm) from top to bottom, the gold and transparent blue butterfly brooch features rhinestones on the wings and a multi-blue gemstone body. The stained glass effect adds a touch of elegance and sophistication.
Inspiration for the creation of the piece comes from the rich symbolism of blue butterflies – hope, good fortune, personal growth, inspiration, and joy – and the “butterfly effect” that Barbara Bush created throughout her lifetime in championing literacy as a fundamental human right and helping others transform their lives through the power of learning how to read. The blue butterfly is also considered as a wish granter.
Philanthropy & Fashion
Kenneth Jay Lane, the renowned jeweler created many of Mrs. Bush’s signature pieces, including the triple strand pearls she wore to the 1989 Presidential Inaugural Ball currently on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
For more than a half century, the Kenneth Jay Lane jewelry line as been on the forefront of trends. From contemporary icons such as Rhianna, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, and Katy Perry to pop culture legends like Jackie Onassis Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor and Princesses Diana and Margaret, Kenneth Jay Lane has adorned many of the world’s most fashionable women.
“Kenneth Jay Lane and Barbara Bush enjoyed a wonderful friendship together for decades. I am confident that they would both be thrilled that their namesake organizations have united to continue their incredible legacies of fashion and philanthropy.”
— Chris Sheppard, CEO of Kenneth Jay Lane
Butterfly Pin Benefactors
We are grateful to the following women for generously creating a fluttering start to the butterfly pin campaign. These Butterfly Pin Benefactors (“BPBs”) are committed to honoring and advancing Barbara Pierce Bush’s literacy legacy.
Ginger Blanton
Maria Bush
Patricia Cornelius
Stick Delaup
Deborah Dunkum
Lesha Elsenbrook
Sidney Faust
Julie Finck
Gail Garland
Mehrnaz Gill
Kathy Goossen
Maureen Higdon
Betty Hrncir
Lisa Jakel
Anne Lamkim Kinder
Julie Little
Trish Morille
Gloria Portela
Susana Rosas
Gina Saour
Sandra Shenkir
Juliet Stipeche
Stephanie Tsuru