In 1974, Betty Ford was thrust onto the world stage when Richard Nixon resigned and her husband, Gerald, rose from VP to become the 38th President of the United States. As First Lady, Betty became known for her frank and candid interviews, where she discussed feminism, sexuality, and abortion. She also talked openly about breast cancer and her own mastectomy in order to promote health awareness.
She would continue her candor after leaving the White House, publicly sharing her struggles with alcoholism and substance abuse, and founding the Betty Ford Center to provide treatment for those facing similar challenges, reinforcing her unique public persona.
Order your copy of the new American History Tellers book, The Hidden History of the White House, for behind-the-scenes stories of some of the most dramatic events in American history—set right inside the house where it happened.
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