WASHINGTON — Betty Ford, the widow of former US president Gerald R. Ford, has died at age 93, FOX News Channel confirmed Friday, citing officials at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum.
Born Elizabeth Anne Bloomer, the former first lady, who became best known as Betty Ford, passed away Friday evening with family at her bedside, CNN reported.
A co-founder of the internationally famous Betty Ford Center addiction clinic in California, the former first lady (1974-77) was an outspoken champion of breast cancer awareness, the Equal Rights Amendment, and substance abuse treatment.
At age 93, she was the oldest surviving occupant of the White House.
Condolences immediately flooded in after the news of her death, led by President Barack Obama, who highlighted the enduring impact of her legacy.
“Throughout her long and active life, Elizabeth Anne Ford distinguished herself through her courage and compassion,” he said in a statement. “As our nation’s first lady, she was a powerful advocate for women’s health and women’s rights. After leaving the White House, Mrs Ford helped reduce the social stigma surrounding addiction and inspired thousands to seek much-needed treatment.
“While her death is a cause for sadness, we know that organizations such as the Betty Ford Center will honor her legacy by giving countless Americans a new lease on life.
“Today, we take comfort in the knowledge that Betty and her husband, former president Gerald Ford, are together once more. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to their children, Michael, John, Steven, and Susan.”
Former first lady Nancy Reagan released a statement expressing her deep sadness at the news.
“She has been an inspiration to so many through her efforts to educate women about breast cancer and her wonderful work at the Betty Ford Center,” Reagan said. “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.
“My love and deepest sympathy go out to the entire Ford family at this very sad time.”
Former president George H. W. Bush also released a statement saying he and wife Barbara “loved Betty Ford very much.”
“She was a wonderful wife and mother; a great friend; and a courageous first lady. No one confronted life’s struggles with more fortitude or honesty, and as a result, we all learned from the challenges she faced,” he said. “The Betty Ford Center, which already has helped change the lives of thousands of people, will be her lasting legacy of care and concern. We were proud to know her. We were proud to call her a friend. We will miss her very much.”
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said Ford would be missed by the millions of people she had inspired through her own example.
“Betty Ford was a remarkable first lady, a devoted wife, and an agent of change. As first lady, Betty Ford was a political force and an advocate for the causes in which she believed,” she said. “As a breast cancer survivor, she offered hope to other women to overcome the disease. Her advocacy on behalf of women helped break down discrimination. Her powerful story and support for those struggling with addiction saved lives and helped bring the issue out of the shadows.
“Former first lady Betty Ford will be missed by the millions who were inspired by her example. I hope it is a comfort to her children and grandchildren that so many grieve their loss and are praying for them in this sad time.”
Former Massachusetts governor and Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney tweeted, “Ann and I join with the people of Michigan and all Americans in mourning the loss of former first lady Betty Ford.”
The Fords suddenly and unexpectedly became the first couple in 1974 after political scandals pushed vice president Spiro Agnew and then president Richard Nixon out of power.
Despite her lack of preparation, Betty Ford, a divorcee and a dancer who wore mood rings and pantsuits, is credited with shaping the role of the modern first lady.
Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she wed a childhood friend, William Warren, before divorcing in 1947. She met Gerald Ford in the same year and he proposed in February 1948.
Betty Ford was deeply devoted to her husband, who died in 2006. She is survived by her four children, Michael, Jack, Steven, and Susan.