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Who was the longest living first lady?

Published in First Ladies 2 mins read

The longest-living First Lady was Bess Truman, wife of the 33rd U.S. President Harry S. Truman.

Bess Truman: A Remarkable Lifespan

Bess Truman holds the record as the longest-lived First Lady in U.S. history. She lived to be 97 years and 247 days old, a testament to her longevity. Her life spanned nearly a century, witnessing significant historical events and changes.

Key Details of Her Longevity

Aspect Detail
Name Bess Truman (Elizabeth Virginia Wallace)
Lifespan 97 years, 247 days
Role First Lady of the United States
Term as FLOTUS 1945–1953

Her Role in Public Life

Before becoming First Lady, Bess Truman also served as the Second Lady of the United States for a brief period from January to April 1945, when her husband was Vice President. Upon President Franklin D. Roosevelt's death in April 1945, Harry S. Truman assumed the presidency, and Bess became First Lady.

During her time as First Lady from 1945 to 1953, she was known for her privacy and dedication to her family. Despite her preference for a less public role, she fulfilled her duties, supporting her husband throughout his presidency. Her remarkable lifespan allowed her to observe decades of American history post-White House.

For more information on her life, you can visit her Wikipedia page.