Betty Ford became one of the most admired American women of her era. After many years in Washington, D.C., where her husband served as a congressman, she landed rather suddenly in the public eye in 1973. Her husband, Gerald Ford (1913-; see entry in volume 5), was appointed vice president. The following year, the Fords moved to the White House when President Richard Nixon (1913-1994; see entry in volume 5) resigned from office.

The Fords worked to bring a refreshing air of normality to the White House. A former dancer and fashion model with a graceful bearing and forthright manner, Betty Ford was an immediately popular first lady known for her candidness and humor. Her battle with breast cancer and her later admission of a substance-abuse problem further endeared her to the public.

Dancer

Born Elizabeth Ann Bloomer on April 8, 1918, in Chicago, Illinois, "Betty" moved to Grand Rapids...