Former First Lady Betty Ford will be memorialized this week in Michigan, following her death over the weekend.
Although she was the wife of former president Gerald R. Ford, Mrs. Ford is perhaps best known as founder of the non-profit Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, CA, in 1982, near Hollywood. Mrs. Ford took the very difficult steps to admit her own drug and alcohol dependency, but used her celebrity to pave the way for countless others who also struggled with addiction. More than 90,000 people worldwide, including everyone from ordinary housewives to major celebrities, have sought and received help from the Betty Ford Center, near where President and Mrs. Ford settled after leaving the White House.
Dr. Drew Pinksy, who hosts the television series Celebrity Rehab on VH1, said in a statement that Mrs. Ford’s “deep appreciation of the pain of addiction sufferers motivated her to simply put aside her fear of personal harm and tell her story.” Chemical and alcohol counselor Marty Brenner, who treats celebrities in his Beverly Hills office, called Mrs. Ford a “pioneer,” saying “She set an example: ‘If Betty Ford can do it, I can do it. I don’t have to be ashamed of my problems.'”
Former President George H.W. Bush said “Barbara and I loved Betty Ford very much. She was a wonderful wife and mother; a great friend; and a courageous first lady. No one confronted life’s struggles with more fortitude or honesty, and as a result, we all learned from the challenges she faced.”
President Obama issued the following statement:
Throughout her long and active life, Elizabeth Anne Ford distinguished herself through her courage and compassion.
As our nation’s first lady, she was a powerful advocate for women’s health and women’s rights. After leaving the White House, Mrs. Ford helped reduce the social stigma surrounding addiction and inspired thousands to seek much-needed treatment.
While her death is a cause for sadness, we know that organizations such as the Betty Ford Center will honor her legacy by giving countless Americans a new lease on life.
Today, we take comfort in the knowledge that Betty and her husband, former president Gerald Ford, are together once more. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to their children, Michael, John, Steven and Susan.
