Betty Ford, First Lady

Betty Ford, First Lady

Elizabeth Ann Bloomer Ford (April 8, 1918 - July 8, 2011) was the wife of Gerald Ford and First Lady of the United States during his presidency from 1974-79. Throughout her husband's term in office, she maintained high approval ratings despite opposition from some conservative Republicans who objected to her more moderate and liberal positions on social issues. She was noted for raising breast cancer awareness following her 1974 mastectomy. In addition, she was a passionate supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment. Pro-choice on abortion and a leader in the Women's Movement, she gained fame as one of the most candid first ladies in history, commenting on every hot-button issue of the time, including feminism, equal pay, the ERA, sex, drugs, abortion, and gun control. She raised awareness of addiction when she announced her long-running battle with alcoholism. She was the founder, and served as the first chair of the board of directors, of the Betty Ford Center for substance abuse and addiction. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1991 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 1998. She died of natural causes in 2011 at the age of 93. Painting by Felix de Cossio.

History: Personalities

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