Lady Bird Johnson

Date of Birth: December 22, 1912

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: July 11, 2007

Biography

Claudia Alta “Lady Bird” Johnson, born on December 22, 1912, in Karnack, Texas, was the First Lady of the United States from 1963 to 1969 as the wife of the 36th President, Lyndon B. Johnson. Lady Bird was a pioneering environmentalist, businesswoman, and advocate for beautification and conservation projects across the United States. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Arts and a Bachelor’s in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin. Lady Bird played a significant role in her husband’s political career, including managing his office and campaign during his service in the House of Representatives and the Senate. As First Lady, she was instrumental in promoting the Highway Beautification Act, affectionately known as “Lady Bird’s Bill,” aiming to limit billboards and junkyards along America’s highways and to plant wildflowers. Lady Bird Johnson’s legacy extends beyond her environmental efforts; she was also a shrewd businesswoman who managed the family’s broadcasting business, which significantly contributed to their wealth. She authored several books, including her memoir “A White House Diary,” which provides an intimate look at her life in the White House during a tumultuous period in American history. After leaving the White House, Lady Bird continued to be active in various environmental and educational causes until her death on July 11, 2007.

5 Interesting Facts about Lady Bird Johnson

1. Lady Bird Johnson was the first First Lady to hold the Bible for the swearing-in of a new president.

2. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 1988.

3. The Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center are named in her honor.

4. She was a successful businesswoman who managed the Johnson family’s radio and television stations, which helped build their wealth.

5. Lady Bird was an avid diarist, and her detailed journals provide valuable historical insights into the Johnson administration and 1960s America.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Lady Bird Johnson

1. “The environment is where we all meet; where we all have a mutual interest; it is the one thing all of us share.”

2. “Children are likely to live up to what you believe of them.”

3. “Every politician should have been born an orphan and remain a bachelor.”

4. “Perhaps no place in any community is so totally democratic as the town library. The only entrance requirement is interest.”

5. “The First Lady is an unpaid public servant elected by one person – her husband.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At her peak, Lady Bird Johnson’s net worth was estimated to be around $20 million, largely due to her successful management of the family’s radio and television business.