The Presidents' Ladies

Eleanor Roosevelt once said that being the First Lady was "a position where I can do the most good." Over 50 women have held the role of First Lady or informal First Lady of the United States; this book will cover the last 14 women. Unlike the Presidents' Ladies: First Ladies of the United States 1789 -1933, all the First Ladies who served from 1933 until the present were spouses to the President. From 1933 through 2021, most First Ladies worked in partnership with the President to accomplish his Administration's goals. First Ladies worked behind the scenes to influence causes and events. Some First Ladies have acted in more significant behind-the-scenes roles. Today, First Ladies have taken a more significant role in political campaigns, social causes, as authors, interviews on television, and charitable causes. Many First Ladies have continued toward their goals after leaving the White House and have also been sought after, campaigned for, and elected to federal office. The role of the First Lady has continued to evolve, and as the women's power grew, so did the role of the First Lady.