George Wallace's first wife, Lurleen B. Wallace, tragically died of cancer in May 1968 while serving as the Governor of Alabama.
Lurleen B. Wallace's Governorship and Early Life
Lurleen Burns Wallace made history as the first woman to be elected Governor of Alabama, taking office in January 1967. Her political ascent came after her husband, George Wallace, was term-limited from seeking another consecutive term. In a unique arrangement, Lurleen successfully ran for and won the gubernatorial election, effectively allowing George Wallace to continue exercising significant influence as a "de facto" governor during her term. This strategy enabled him to bypass term limits and maintain a strong political presence in the state.
Born in 1926, Lurleen met George Wallace in high school, and they married in 1943. She largely remained out of the political spotlight until her husband's term limit situation prompted her candidacy.
The Battle with Cancer and Her Passing
Unknown to Lurleen herself for many years, her health was a critical concern. Her doctor had informed George Wallace of her cancer diagnosis as early as 1961, but he chose not to disclose this serious information to his wife.
Despite her deteriorating health during her time in office, Lurleen continued to fulfill her duties as governor. Her battle with cancer ultimately led to her passing in May 1968. Her death marked a significant moment in Alabama's political landscape and had a profound impact on George Wallace's political trajectory, effectively ending a specific period of his direct influence within the state's governorship.
Here's a brief timeline of key events related to Lurleen B. Wallace's health and political career:
| Event | Year | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| George Wallace informed of cancer diagnosis | 1961 | Lurleen's doctor informed George Wallace of her cancer. |
| Elected Governor of Alabama | 1966 | Lurleen B. Wallace wins the gubernatorial election. |
| Inauguration as Governor | January 1967 | Becomes Alabama's first female governor. |
| Death from Cancer | May 1968 | Passes away while in office, ending her term prematurely. |
Lurleen B. Wallace's life and brief governorship are remembered for her pioneering role as a female state leader and the complex political dynamics that surrounded her time in office.
For more information, you can refer to the Wikipedia pages for George Wallace and Lurleen Wallace.
