Betty Ford

Date of Birth: April 8, 1918

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: July 8, 2011

Biography

Elizabeth Anne “Betty” Ford (née Bloomer) was born on April 8, 1918, in Chicago, Illinois, and grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She served as the First Lady of the United States from 1974 to 1977 during the presidency of her husband, Gerald Ford. Known for her candor and outspoken nature, Betty Ford was an influential advocate for women’s rights and a trailblazer in raising public awareness about addiction and breast cancer. Betty began her career in the arts, studying dance under the renowned Martha Graham and later worked as a fashion coordinator for a department store in Grand Rapids. She married Gerald Ford in 1948, who would go on to become the 38th President of the United States following the resignation of Richard Nixon. During her time as First Lady, Betty Ford was noted for her openness about personal issues, including her battle with breast cancer and her struggles with substance abuse. In 1978, she co-founded the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, California, which became one of the most respected substance abuse treatment centers in the nation. Betty Ford passed away on July 8, 2011, at the age of 93.

5 Interesting Facts about Betty Ford

1. Betty Ford was an advocate for the Equal Rights Amendment and women’s rights.

2. She publicly acknowledged her struggle with addiction, which was rare for public figures at the time, paving the way for more open discussions about substance abuse.

3. Betty Ford was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1974 and underwent a mastectomy, openly discussing her illness to raise awareness.

4. She was a professional dancer and performed with the Martha Graham Dance Company before her marriage.

5. In 1987, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George H.W. Bush.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Betty Ford

1. “I know I was an alcoholic because I was preoccupied whether alcohol was going to be served or not.”

2. “I have an independent streak. You know, it’s kind of hard to tell a independent woman what to do.”

3. “I think once people understand how harmful it is, they’ll take precautions.”

4. “I don’t like to eat snails. I prefer fast food.”

5. “I think it’s time for the talk to end and the action to begin.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of her lifetime, Betty Ford’s net worth was estimated to be around $20 million, primarily due to her contributions to the Betty Ford Center and her husband’s political career.

Children

Betty and Gerald Ford had four children: 1. Michael Gerald Ford, born in 1950. 2. John Gardner Ford (known as Jack), born in 1952. 3. Steven Meigs Ford, born in 1956. 4. Susan Elizabeth Ford, born in 1957.