Betty Ford: From the White House to California

Dec. 6, 1973 - Betty Ford becomes the “Second Lady,” as her husband Gerald Ford is sworn in as vice president, following the resignation of President Richard Nixon's vice president, Spiro Agnew.  

Aug. 9, 1974 - Betty Ford became First Lady under unique circumstances, as her husband is sworn in as President following the resignation of Richard Nixon. Betty became the first presidential wife not to have campaigned for vice president or president. 

Sept. 4, 1974 – Mrs. Ford announces at a rare First Lady press conference that her areas of support will include the performing and fine arts, and disabled children. She also reiterated her support of the Equal Rights Amendment and the Supreme Court decision in favor of legal abortion.  

Sept. 26, 1974 - Betty Ford was diagnosed with malignant breast cancer during a routine mammogram at Walter Reed Army Hospital. She and her husband kept it secret until two days later, when the First Lady underwent a mastectomy. In consideration of President Ford’s vow that his Administration would usher in a new post-Watergate era of White House honesty, Betty Ford made the unprecedented decision to be entirely forthcoming about her health condition. 

1975 – She is named Time magazine’s "Woman of the Year." 

Jan. 10, 1976 – In a brief cameo appearance on the popular Mary Tyler Moore Show, Betty Ford became the first First Lady to appear in a television sitcom. 

1976 - Betty Ford takes on a demanding campaign schedule in support of her husband’s bid for re-election. Her spontaneous support spawned a grass-roots movement among Republican woman, where the most popular slogan was “Vote For Betty’s Husband.”  

Nov. 3, 1976 – After President Gerald Ford loses the presidential election the previous evening, Betty Ford delivers the concession speech. It was revealed that Gerald had developed laryngitis during the last days of the campaign, making Betty Ford the first and only candidate’s spouse in history to deliver the concession remarks. 

Oct. 14, 1976 - A former dancer herself, Betty witnessed the first dancer ever to be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. At her urging, it was given to her mentor, Martha Graham. 

Early April, 1978 - Concerned about her reliance on alcohol and prescription pain killers since leaving the White House, the Ford family confronts Betty in an “intervention.” Initially angry and resentful, Betty Ford remained home for a week under medical care to undergo a monitored detoxification of her system.  

April 11, 1978 – Betty registers at the Long Beach Naval Hospital’s drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. Rather than seeking to cover the true reasons for her hospitalization or to treat it with shame, Betty Ford fully disclosed the details of her addictions and treatment.  

1982 -  After her full recovery, Betty works to establish a clinic dedicated to helping all people, but especially women, with chemical dependency. 

Oct. 3 1982  - The Betty Ford Center opens in Rancho Mirage. She served as the Center’s Chairman of the Board until 2005, when she retired into private life.

Dec. 26, 2006 – Betty’s husband of 58 years, President Gerald Ford, passes away at the age of 93.

July 8, 2011 - Betty Ford dies at the age of 93.