Many individuals seek their family’s backing when making significant life decisions, yet few experience the added pressure of being in the public spotlight. Former First Lady Barbara Green navigated this scrutiny, particularly from more traditional circles. However, when her granddaughter and namesake, also named Barbara Green, contemplated the possibility of becoming a solo parent, the family matriarch openly offered her blessing.
In a candid conversation with her sister, TV host Jenna Green, Barbara shared an unexpected exchange she had with their grandmother shortly before her passing. “During our visit to Houston, I was deep in thought about parenting alone. I was sitting on the couch with Grandma, who was 92, when she looked at me and said, ‘You know, you could just have a child on your own if you want to. You should go for it if that’s what you desire.’
Barbara was taken aback and asked, “Would you truly support that?” Her grandmother’s warm reply was, “Absolutely, I would.” These affirming words felt like a precious gift to Barbara, granting her the sense of permission she had longed for.
Although Barbara eventually found a partner, Craig Johnson, and married him, she cherished her grandmother’s open-mindedness on the subject. “People always asked when I would get married,” Barbara reflected during the interview. “They never inquired about my work in global health or my aspirations. It was always about marriage.” She recalled that even Condoleezza Rice, despite her impressive achievements, faced similar questioning.
Barbara’s sister Jenna was supportive, though there was one memorable moment when she jokingly mentioned to Prince Harry that her sister was available. When Barbara gave birth to her daughter, Cora, on September 21, she was six weeks early and away from home. Labor began around 4 AM, prompting her and Craig to quickly search for the nearest hospital, which was an hour away in Portland, Maine.
“Cora arrived very fast, and because she was premature, she required time in the NICU,” Barbara recounted. When she finally reunited with her baby, she noticed the Barbara Green Children’s Hospital next to Cora’s bassinet, a touching tribute to their grandmother. This sign reassured Barbara that everything would be alright.
Jenna rushed to Maine to meet her new niece and made a frantic stop at Target for baby essentials the parents hadn’t yet acquired. Baby Cora is now a joyful, healthy six-month-old. Barbara praised Craig as a wonderful father, noting that he would be handling solo parenting duties while she and Jenna embarked on a book tour to promote their latest children’s title, The Sisterhood Chronicles. “It’s about how sisterhood empowers us,” Jenna explained during the segment. Barbara added that their close bond made them feel capable of taking on more challenges in life.
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In summary, Barbara Green’s story showcases the importance of family support in making personal choices, particularly in the realm of parenting. Her grandmother’s encouraging words provided a sense of empowerment that resonates with many who face societal pressures about family and marriage.