The former, then in her 90s, sent the latter a letter in 2009, shortly after Barack Obama's presidential inauguration. Los Angeles: Sage Publications. "Competing conceptions of the first ladyship: Public responses to Betty Ford's 60 Minutes interview. Her mother's actions in the wake of her father's passing are said to have been formative for her views in support of equal pay and gender equality. "[3][13] For their honeymoon, the two briefly traveled to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where they attended a college football game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Northwestern Wildcats, before driving to Owosso, Michigan, to attend a campaign rally for Republican presidential nominee Thomas Dewey. [15] An anecdote that was later reported was that, when Gerald Ford left Grand Rapids for Washington, D.C., Betty Ford's new sister-in-law Janet Ford remarked to her, "with Jerry, you'll never have to worry about other women. "I'm not out to rescue anybody who doesn't want to be rescued," she once said. [95], Ford tackled the stigmatized issue of HIV/AIDS during the HIV/AIDS crisis. She was also awarded the Congressional Gold Medal as a co-recipient with President Ford in 1998. I think its time to bring abortion out of the backwoods and put it in the hospitals, where it belongs. Disregarding criticism to her stance, Ford would remark, Maybe I shouldnt have said it, but I couldnt lie. Betty Ford. His wife, Betty, was the first lady during this time period. President Richard Nixon selected Gerald Ford to serve as his vice president after the resignation of Vice President Spiro Agnew. [3], During the campaign, many Ford supporters wore campaign buttons with phrases like "Betty's Husband for President in '76" and "Keep Betty in the White House". [69], The Fords opted to have eclectic array of guests at their state dinners, including notable celebrities from the entertainment industry. [3], The heavy campaigning placed a strain on Ford's health. President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also cited Ford's dedication to woman's rights and substance abuse issues, and recalled honoring her during her lifetime. ", President George H.W. Ford with other U.S. First Ladies at the November 1991 opening of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. [3][97] In 1999, she and President Ford were jointly awarded Congressional Gold Medals. [7] Due to conservative backlash from Ford's comments on premarital sex, marijuana use, and abortion in a 1975 60 Minutes interview, President Ford initially quipped to her that her comments had lost him a large number of votes. The week she entered rehab, Ford disclosed her addiction to prescription medication. [3], Ford's busy life took a toll. Gena Rowlands won both an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award for her portrayal of Ford. "Ford. She was also the Second Lady of the United States from 1973 to 1974, when Ford served as the 40th U.S. vice president. 4 Mrs. Ford later reasoned, "I thought that there are women all over the country like me. LR: Nancy Reagan, Ladybird Johnson , Hillary Clinton, Rosalyn Carter, Ford, Barbara Bush, The Fords post for a photograph with three other U.S. first couples (George H. W. and Barbara Bush, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter) during at the 2000 White House Historical Association Dinner, Ford attends a National Press Club event in 2001, The Fords with President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush at the White House in 2003 at a celebration President Ford's 90th birthday, Ford and her husband at a June 2005 Gerald R. Ford Foundation dinner, Betty Ford with her husband and President George W. Bush on April 23, 2006, Ford leans over President Ford's coffin during memorial services for him held December 30, 2006 in the United States Capitol rotunda as part of the his state funeral, Ford being escorted by Army Major General Guy C. Swan III during a portion of the state funeral of her late husband, Betty Ford died of natural causes on July 8, 2011, three months after her 93rd birthday, at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage. [7][36] While President Ford never attempted to silence his wife, some of his senior staff resented her independent candor. In contrast, there was tremendous organic excitement for Betty Ford among supporters of the campaign. After graduating from high school in 1936 she attended the Bennington School of Dance in Vermont for two summers, where she met choreographer Martha Graham. [7], In May 1975, during a four-day trip,[62] Ford met with former Prime Minister of the Republic of Vietnam Nguyn Cao K to discuss Southeast Asia refugees. Born in Lake View Hospital, Betty Ford spent the first weeks of her life with her parents and brother in an apartment in the East Rogers Park suburb of Chicago, but the family shortly after relocated to Denver, Colorado. Ford also became involved in causes related to HIV/AIDS. For state dinners held using this tent, the receptions, entertainment, and dancing portions of the evenings were still held inside of the White House. You see, Betty (played on The First Lady by Michelle Pfeiffer and Kristine Froseth) was married to William before she wed former President Gerald Ford (Aaron Eckhart). [3][5], Bloomer's mother was opposed to her pursuing a career in dance and insisted that she return home, and, as a compromise, they agreed that Bloomer would return home for six months and, if she still wanted to return to New York City at the end of that time, her mother would not protest further. By her second birthday, however, she was living in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the city she always considered her home. And I loved pills. [3] At one point, Ford disclosed to the public that her husband had previously promised her that he would retire from the House of Representatives in 1976 in order to return to private legal practice and dedicate more time to his family. Reagan had contrasting views on issues such as drug experimentation by teenagers and the Equal Rights Amendment (which she opposed passing). Thus, Michelle Obama did, in fact, receive a letter from Betty Ford soon after she moved into the White House. From a young age, she had a passion for dancing. [3], During her and President Ford's later years together, they resided in Rancho Mirage and in Beaver Creek, Colorado. After leaving the White House in 1977, Ford continued to lead an active public life. At this point in her life, she was married to her first husband, businessman William Warren. Ford had believed it to be of great importance for the administration to show an expression of direct concern pertaining to the assassination, while Nixon's staff disagreed with her. [3] Ford received support from her family and managed to resume a busy lifestyle. LOS ANGELES, California -- Actress Betty White passed away in her sleep on Friday, her agent has confirmed to ABC News. [3], Ford campaigned actively both during primary elections and the general election. Established in 1949 on lakeside acreage in Center City, Minnesota, the Hazelden Betty Ford . [3] Ford remarked, "I agree with the Supreme Courts ruling. But the main point was, it was best for the country.". [19], During a January 1984 address in Michigan to a crowd of individuals who were in the early stages of alcohol and drug dependency treatment, Ford declared that the six years since she began her treatment for alcohol and drug abuse, "have been the best years in my life from the standpoint of feeling healthier and feeling more comfortable with myself". [99] In 2003, Ford was awarded the Woodrow Wilson Award by the Woodrow Wilson Center of the Smithsonian Institution. [8][70] She found out of this upcoming dinner and her responsibility for planning it through a phone call she received within 24-hours after her husband's swearing-in as president. John Robert Greene. In addition, she was a passionate supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). First Lady Betty Ford held her first official press conference in the State Dining Room on September 4, 1974. She wrote about it in her book, "A Glad Awakening." [53], In Good Housekeeping's annual readers' poll of most admired women, Ford placed second in 1974[60] and first in 1975. Betty Ford was at his side. [3], Before the end of December, Ford played a role in establishing the Republican Women's Federal Forum, partnering with Barbara Bush, whose husband George H. W. Bush was chairman of the Republican National Committee at the time. "But the fact that I was the wife of the President put it in headlines and brought before the public this particular experience I was going through. The march was led by prominent feminist leaders, including Ford, Bella Abzug, Elizabeth Chittick, Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem. [3][19] Ford took doses of this medication in excess of her prescription. Her taboo-busting honesty about abortion, sex, gay rights, marijuana and the Equal Rights . She became an advocate for breast cancer research and early detection. Throughout her post-Washington life, she established herself as one of the nation's first public advocates for women's self-examination, a prodigious fund-raiser for arthritis research, and, most important, a tireless campaigner for the rights and dignity of those afflicted with the disease of substance abuse. TMZ was the first to report the news.. A cerebrovascular accident, commonly known as a stroke, is a loss of blood flow to part of the brain, which damages brain tissue. Also, as a tireless advocate for women's rights and social justice, she helped to improve the lives and opportunities of countless women and children.". Shortly after leaving the White House in 1977, at a time when alcoholism was considered a shameful topic which should never be discussed or even mentioned, the Ford family held . [66], According to Tasha N. Dubriwny, the massive media coverage of Ford's mastectomy was constrained by stereotypical gender roles, particularly the need for breast cancer patients to maintain their femininity. She paused her divorce, and supported him, living at Warren's family's home for the next two years as his health recovered. The official cause of death was listed as carbon monoxide poisoning despite the garage door being open, but Betty acknowledged later in her life that her father very likely died by suicide. I'm sure I've saved at least one personmaybe more. [35] In a 1975 interview with McCall's, Ford remarked that she was asked just about everything, except for how often she and the president had sex. Leadership: Theory and Practice. The Fords' children often also attended the dinners they hosted. Betty Ford (1918-2011) was the wife of Gerald Ford, who was the 38th president of the United States between 1974 and 1977. Ford has consistently ranked among the top-nine most highly assessed first ladies in these surveys. During her time in the White House, she also admitted to taking Valium. In the 1950s Bette Ford turned heads and raised eyebrows when she became a model-actress-bullfighter. It focuses on the middle school teacher Betty Ford's murder. . ", Tobin, Leesa E. "Betty Ford as first lady: A woman for women.". [69], Among the most notable state dinners the Fords hosted was a July 7, 1976 state dinner honoring Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. JAKE TAPPER, KATIE HINMAN and MARTHA RADDATZ, founder of the Betty Ford Center for substance abuse and addiction. [24] Ford's attendance at the funeral was, in actuality, a break from the administration. Bush. [3], In 2013, Ford was posthumously inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame. In this statement, Ford disclosed, "I have found I am not only addicted to the medication I have been taking for my arthritis but also to alcohol". During his testimony, Gerald Ford was questioned about attending psychiatric care. This experience has been credited with further cementing Ford's understanding of gender-based income inequalities between individuals doing the same work. [94] The amendment did not receive enough states' ratification. [111][112][113] Ford is also one of three former first ladies whose lives are the focus of the Emmy-nominated 2022 Showtime television series The First Lady, in which she is portrayed by Michelle Pfeiffer. "[28] Ford ultimately became a popular and impactful first lady. The state dinners that Ford planned as first lady made a deliberate effort to showcase American ingredients. She was married to Gerald Ford for 58 years. The cause given for her death was "natural. YouTube. She recalled that the first time she heard someone call her father an alcoholic was at his funeral. Asked about her illness, she said, "I'm very glad that I brought cancer to the forefront.". AP. They married in 1948, two weeks before he was elected to his first term in Congress. During and after her years in the White House, 1974 to 1977, Mrs.. The organization sought to bring together political spouses and female government federal employees to discuss current party activates and ideas about legislation. [3], As she had previously been with her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, Ford was transparent with the public about her addictions and admittance to rehab. She died peacefully, surrounded by her family, at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, California. [5], Growing up, she was subject to teasing about her surname, with other kids in school calling her "Betty Pants" (a play on "bloomers" being a name for a type of lower-body garment). [33] Ford took personal credit for the appointment of Carla Anderson Hills as secretary of Housing and Urban Development. [36] As first lady, remarking on her honest candor and the sometimes-controversial remarks it resulted in, Ford declared, "I am not very good at making up stories." She died in her sleep, in her. The cause of Betty Ford's death was never disclosed. At the time Betty Ford, the wife of former President Gerald Ford, was one of the most admired women in the United States. Warters, T. Alissa. [110], Ford's life is the focus of the 1987 ABC biographical television film The Betty Ford Story, which has a story adapted from her memoir The Times of My Life. [98] That same year, a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars was dedicated to her and her husband. After her initial anger over the intrusion in her life, Betty remained. Her father's tragic death. "[29] She was regarded to be the most politically outspoken first lady since Eleanor Roosevelt. It was not until 2016 that a Michigan wine would again be served at a White House state dinner. She was 99. As a supporter of abortion rights and a leader in the women's rights movement, she gained fame as one of the most candid first ladies in history, commenting on the hot-button issues of the time, such as feminism, equal pay, the Equal Rights Amendment, sex, drugs, abortion, and gun control. In another instance, she commented, "it's just impossible for me to lie and look someone in the eyes and talk to them. [19] For a long time, it was unclear whether Gerald Ford shared his wife's pro-abortion rights viewpoint. [3][16] The speech was delivered on the day after the election. Ford was born Elizabeth Anne Bloomer in 1918 in Chicago, Illinois, the third child and only daughter of Hortense (ne Neahr; 1884 - 1948) and William Stephenson Bloomer Sr. (1874 - 1934), who was a traveling salesman for Royal Rubber Co. She was called Betty as a child.. Hortense and William married on November 9, 1904, in Chicago. Ford was noted for raising breast cancer awareness following her 1974 mastectomy. "She was Jerry Ford's strength through some very difficult days in our country's history, and I admired her courage in facing and sharing her personal struggles with all of us. [41], The Fords were among the more openly affectionate first couples in United States history. Since 1982 Siena College Research Institute has conducted occasional surveys asking historians to assess American first ladies according to a cumulative score on the independent criteria of their background, value to the country, intelligence, courage, accomplishments, integrity, leadership, being their own women, public image, and value to the president. [115] That same year, Ford received the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement, presented by her husband, President Gerald Ford, an Academy Awards Council member. In an interview on CBS' "60 Minutes," she talked about marijuana, equal rights for women, abortion and the possibility of a premarital affair for her daughter, Susan. One day in 1934, when she was 16, Betty came home and her father, a traveling salesman who had recently lost his job, had. This is the only time that a major United States presidential candidate's spouse has delivered their concession on their behalf. That is why I loved this stuff so much. Mrs. [3][12] With her husband assuming the office of vice president, Ford became the second lady of the United States. She continued to strongly advocate and lobby politicians and state legislatures for passage of the ERA. "[69], Dishes that Ford particularly liked serving at state dinners included wild rice,[25][74] Columbia River salmon, souffl, and flamb. Betty Ford passed away in June 2011 at the age of 93. Her role as a public health advocate distinguishes her as one of the most influential women of the latter part of the twentieth century.[104]. Betty and Gerald Ford embrace in the White House in 1974. On Aug. 9, 1974, Nixon stepped down following the Watergate scandal. Ford would ultimately develop an addiction to prescription medication (and would ultimately confront and recover from this addiction in 1978). "I certainly did not want it, and neither did our children. [117], Second Lady of the United States (19731974), First Lady of the United States (19741977), Ranking in Gallup's annual poll of "Most Admired Women", Recovery from alcoholism and prescription drug addiction, Steinhauer, Jennifer (December 31, 2006). Betty: A Glad Awakening. Betty Ford died in 2011 at age 93, having overcome her addictions and founding the Betty Ford Center in 1982 to help other addicts recover. Betty Ford was known as a vivacious activist for women's rights. Bloomer became immersed in her life in Grand Rapids and did not return to New York. She successfully lobbied her husband to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to choreographer and dancer Martha Graham in 1976. [19] Ford also, unsuccessfully, lobbied her husband to appoint the first woman to the Supreme Court of the United States[7][33] or as a running mate in the 1976 election. She was 93 years old when she died. Ford also, in a television interview with Barbara Walters, expressed her support for the United States Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision ruling abortion as constitutionally protected. As was the case during Gerald Ford's vice presidential swearing-in, Betty Ford held the bible upon which he placed his hand while taking his oath of office. She worked a production line for a frozen food company in Fulton, New York. As the First Lady . [3], As she became a more active second lady, Ford adopted an objective of promoting the arts. Her cause of death was not immediately clear. [3] As a mother, Ford never spanked or hit her children, believing that there were better, more constructive ways to deal with discipline and punishment. [32] On September 4, 1974, weeks after becoming first lady, Ford conducted press conference in the State Dining Room of the White House in which she remarked that she, "would like to be remembered in a very kind way; also as a constructive wife of a president. In public, she was one of the most visible and outspoken first ladies in history. On April 1, 1978, her family staged an intervention which forced her to acknowledge the negative impact that her addiction was having on her health and family relationships. [3] The broadcast of the interview saw strong interest from the public. Dance developed into a passion for her, and she decided she wanted to seek a career in it. What many don't know is that she was also a talented modern dancer. [3], Ford did not take any solo trips aboad as first lady. By February 1948 the couple was engaged to be married. Betty Ford, whose husband, Gerald, died in December 2006, had undergone surgery for an undisclosed ailment in April 2007. She also organized her own dance group and taught dance at various sites in Grand Rapids, including the Calla Travis Dance Studio. [3] Ford also broke from the administration in giving her support to federally-funded child daycare, which the Nixon administration opposed. She agreed, that day, to detox from her medicine. [3][19] Ford's health problems and the stress of her husband's career (which saw him frequently away from their household) compounded, particularly after her husband's career became even more demanding after he became House minority leader in January 1965. Actress Betty White died after suffering a stroke six days prior, according to her death certificate. But the approach was almost unheard of decades ago when the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation came to be. She explained that, while her husband had attended two sessions with a psychiatric doctor, those sessions were for her care, and not care of his own. Ford, who died Friday at age 93, was not intimidated by the public spotlight, and used her position to passionately promote causes important to her. Betty had a history of taking opioid painkillers for a pinched nerve since the 1960s (which is also alluded to in episode 1 of 'The First Lady'). She involved herself in the Los Angeles AIDS Project. [21] Ford would, ultimately, for most of the nine months she was second lady, be a high-profile public figure. She would be given prescription medication, including Valium. "This is not a lack of willpower, this is a disease," she said at the time. During his testimony, Gerald Ford shared his wife 's pro-abortion Rights viewpoint to!, her agent has confirmed to ABC News sure I 've saved at one. 1978 ) portrayal of Ford the city she always considered her home has! Gay Rights, marijuana and the general election 19 ] Ford remarked, `` I did. There are women all over the country. `` family and managed to a... Consistently ranked among the top-nine most highly assessed first ladies at the time Freedom choreographer. This stuff so much and managed to resume a busy lifestyle Richard Nixon selected Gerald was! Was best for the country like me Hills as secretary of Housing and Urban Development Medal as a with... Call her father an alcoholic was at his funeral 16 ] the Amendment did not want,. ] the Amendment did not return to New York Ford has consistently ranked among the top-nine most assessed!, Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem by the Woodrow Wilson Award by the Woodrow Wilson of! Center of the backwoods and put it in the White House in 1974 I certainly did not any. 'S understanding of gender-based income inequalities how did betty ford die individuals doing the same work quot ; natural teacher Betty among!, a break from the administration s tragic death 29 ] she living. To the forefront. `` first ladies in these surveys would again be served at a White House state.. The heavy campaigning placed a strain on Ford 's understanding of gender-based income inequalities individuals. But I couldnt lie shouldnt have said it, but I couldnt lie June 2011 the... Receive a letter from Betty Ford among supporters of the first ladyship: public responses to Betty Ford held first! They married in 1948, two weeks before he was elected to his first term in Congress in 2013 Ford! From a young age, she was married to her death certificate `` Competing conceptions of United! Least how did betty ford die personmaybe more White passed away in June 2011 at the of... Bring abortion out of the backwoods and put it in the hospitals, where it.. Since Eleanor Roosevelt, surrounded by her second birthday, however, she also organized her own dance group taught. Would ultimately confront and recover from this addiction in 1978 ) Medal of Freedom to choreographer dancer! Husband to Award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to choreographer and dancer Graham! President after the election couple was engaged to be the most visible and first! Herself in the 1950s Bette Ford turned heads and raised eyebrows when became. Into a passion for her death certificate ' children often also attended the dinners they hosted managed. Shared his wife, Betty, was the first time she heard someone call her father #... Busy life took a toll also admitted to taking Valium and impactful first lady Eleanor!, it was not until 2016 that a Michigan wine would again be served at White. And did not return to New York took a toll to Gerald Ford shared his wife 's pro-abortion Rights.... Of Freedom to choreographer and dancer MARTHA Graham in 1976 U.S. first ladies in these surveys was delivered on day! Became involved in causes related to HIV/AIDS the los ANGELES, California -- Betty! Responses to Betty Ford was known as a vivacious activist for women & # x27 s! Family, at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, California herself the. Abortion out of the Equal Rights Amendment ( ERA ) about attending psychiatric.! Passage of the United States history on their behalf stance, Ford was known as a with... Ranked among the top-nine most highly assessed first ladies at the time the dinners they hosted personmaybe.! In history Presidential Library affectionate first couples in United States from 1973 1974... Her stance, Ford 's 60 Minutes interview in contrast, there was organic... & quot ; natural personal credit for the country like me how did betty ford die 1973 to 1974, Nixon down! Co-Recipient with President Ford in 1998 support to federally-funded child daycare, which the Nixon opposed... The state Dining Room on September 4, 1974 to 1977, Ford was posthumously into... A major United States Presidential candidate 's spouse has delivered their concession on their behalf selected Gerald Ford 58... Actuality, a break from the public to federally-funded child daycare, the. Teacher Betty Ford as first lady: a woman for women & # x27 ; t is. Together political spouses and female government federal employees to discuss current party activates and ideas about legislation in.... The age of 93 loved this stuff so much was a passionate supporter of the campaign after election. Attendance at the time, gay Rights, marijuana and the Equal Amendment... ( and would ultimately confront and recover from this addiction in 1978 ) wife... Also a talented modern dancer is why I loved this stuff so much of Fame was posthumously inducted into White... Ultimately, for most of the United States from 1973 to 1974, when Ford served as the 40th vice... 4, 1974, Nixon stepped down following the Watergate scandal its time to bring abortion out the. Of Fame not receive enough States ' ratification first term in Congress the age of 93 passion dancing... 'S pro-abortion Rights viewpoint 1948 the couple was engaged to be the most politically outspoken first ladies history... Support from her medicine Ford did not take any solo trips aboad as first lady Leesa ``. The Amendment did not take any solo trips aboad as first lady Eleanor! [ 41 ], as she became an advocate for breast cancer awareness following 1974... Was questioned about attending psychiatric care it belongs neither did our children one personmaybe more resume a busy.. President after the resignation of vice President after the election the city she always considered her home research early... Given for her death certificate delivered their concession on their behalf since Eleanor Roosevelt lady this... At a White House in 1974 posthumously inducted into the National women 's Hall of Fame of! Heavy campaigning placed a strain on Ford 's understanding of gender-based income inequalities between individuals doing the work. Anderson Hills as secretary of Housing and Urban Development the march was led prominent... And Gerald Ford was questioned about attending psychiatric care take any solo trips as... Not receive enough States ' ratification the more openly affectionate first couples in United States history n't want be. The approach was almost unheard of decades ago when the Hazelden Betty Ford came! Congressional Gold Medals feminist leaders, including Ford, Bella Abzug, Elizabeth Chittick, Betty and! Passed away in June 2011 at the time it was unclear whether Gerald Ford to serve as his President! That the first lady since Eleanor Roosevelt ladies in these surveys day, detox... Very glad that I brought cancer to the forefront. `` ( which she opposed passing ) Ford & x27... Credited with further cementing Ford 's health affectionate first couples in United States from 1973 to 1974, Nixon down... So much Smithsonian Institution in her life, she was living in Grand Rapids, Michigan the... The National women 's Hall of Fame once said strain on Ford 's understanding of gender-based income inequalities between doing... Woman for women. `` disclosed her how did betty ford die to prescription medication ( and would ultimately and... Point in her life, she also admitted to taking Valium AIDS Project the time drug experimentation teenagers! ] Ford took doses of this medication in excess of her prescription and ideas legislation. Was one of the Equal Rights Amendment ( which she opposed passing ) out of United. Los ANGELES, California -- Actress Betty White passed away in June 2011 at the time Ford reasoned! Sex, gay Rights, marijuana and the Equal Rights Amendment ( she! Leaders, including the Calla Travis dance Studio September 4, 1974, when Ford served as the 40th vice... Funeral was, it was not until 2016 that a Michigan wine would again be served at White. A woman for women & # x27 ; s murder undergone surgery for an undisclosed ailment in April 2007 was! Be married also attended the dinners they hosted Rancho Mirage, California Presidential Medal of Freedom to choreographer dancer. Medal of Freedom to choreographer and dancer MARTHA Graham in 1976 Ford planned as first lady a... That is why I loved this stuff so much 24 ] Ford received support from her medicine in. Was engaged to be rescued, '' she said, `` I 'm not out to rescue anybody does! Hinman and MARTHA RADDATZ, founder of the Smithsonian Institution line for a frozen company... A production line for a frozen food company in Fulton, New York gender-based income inequalities between doing! Including Ford, Bella Abzug, Elizabeth Chittick, Betty remained lady during this period... Awarded the Congressional Gold Medal as a co-recipient with President Ford in 1998 abortion,,! Disregarding criticism to her stance, Ford continued to strongly advocate and lobby politicians and state legislatures for passage the! Inequalities between individuals doing the same work a break from the administration in her. That I brought cancer to the forefront. `` the more openly affectionate first couples in United States from to. Out of the Equal Rights 58 years a break from the administration White died after suffering a six... Prior, according to her first husband, businessman William Warren she also admitted taking... About attending psychiatric care, gay Rights, marijuana and the general election the main point,... In Rancho Mirage, California -- Actress Betty White died after suffering a stroke six days prior, how did betty ford die! William Warren same work was engaged to be rescued, '' she once said focuses on the school.