Betty Ford Dead: A Look Back At The Former First Lady (PHOTOS)

Former First Lady Betty Ford passed away at age 93 on Friday. President Barack Obama released the following statement on behalf of himself and Michelle:

Throughout her long and active life, Elizabeth Anne Ford distinguished herself through her courage and compassion. 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.

Betty will be remembered perhaps not for her sartorial sense but for her in-office, leading lady style during the '70s. From her family Christmas cards and patchwork-trimmed tree to public dances with husband Gerald and stolen moments snapped by photographers, take a look back at the life and times of Betty Ford.

Comments

[Bandit29]

10:28 AM on 07/12/2011

Mrs. Ford was a lovely, brave woman. She saved many women by her public admission of breast cancer and urging others to get examinations. She took away the stigma of addiction and offered hope. And she was always a lady.

[SonyaInTx]

06:47 PM on 07/11/2011

Betty Ford was the real deal. God bless her always....

[rowdiman]

11:56 PM on 07/10/2011

She broke down the wall of shame around addiction. So many lives and families have been saved thanks to her bravery for taking the disease on and providing a safe facility for treatment.

Her legacy will live on through us. God Bless.

[Watching rock grow]

05:56 PM on 07/10/2011

She was the only decent and real thing in Washington during that time as far as I can recall.

[orange county man]

10:49 AM on 07/10/2011

Bachmann and Palin will never have the class and grace of this smart woman. Go in peace, Betty.

[mamacat]

04:43 AM on 07/11/2011

Their names shouldn't be mentioned in the same breath as Mrs. Ford.
The first is willing ignorance personified, and the second is ignorance and greed incarnate.

[fromdnorth]

10:17 AM on 07/10/2011

A great First Lady

[vobox3343]

08:04 AM on 07/10/2011

Ah, gone are the days of the compassionate Republican.

[Diana Bitritto]

08:18 PM on 07/09/2011

The Fords had class. Not at all like the Republican Party today.

[kwoodgr]

04:48 PM on 07/09/2011

A great woman! Today's Republican women can't hold a candle to her.

[greenwren]

05:10 PM on 07/09/2011

Amen to that.

And RIP, Betty. A grand old lady.

[PeaJayKay]

03:13 PM on 07/09/2011

This is *not* the facade of the Michigan State Capitol Building in Lansing. This picture looks like Washington, DC, the East Front of the US Capitol.

[JMK62]

02:36 PM on 07/09/2011

Remarkable woman!

[janie@atthelake]

02:58 PM on 07/09/2011

Yes, she was remarkable.

[LMPE]

02:09 PM on 07/09/2011

As John Nichols writes at The Nation, Betty Ford was a feminist and social liberal too.

[oscartucker]

02:15 PM on 07/10/2011

Today's GOPTP would lash out against Mrs. Ford's causes and comments.

[peegan]

01:07 PM on 07/09/2011

I wish I had known more about this lovely lady while she was alive. Everything I have read about her over the last two days tells me she was a person of intelligence, strength and character. I find myself missing a woman I am just now coming to know a little. I am sure her family and friends will miss her fiercely and I wish them peace.

[bastalready]

12:54 PM on 07/09/2011

She had the prettiest smile.

[kalico500]

12:44 PM on 07/09/2011

Betty Ford was one of the few FIRST LADIES who actually did something and wasn't arm candy for her husband. Rest in peace Mrs. Ford.