Melania Trump may join Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton in writing memoirs after leaving the White House.
Melania Trump may join Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton in writing memoirs after leaving the White House.
Melania Trump may join Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton in writing memoirs after leaving the White House.
Melania Trump may join Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton in writing memoirs after leaving the White House.

All the memoirs penned by former US first ladies: from 'Becoming' to 'What Happened'


Evelyn Lau
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She hasn't left the White House just yet, but rumour has it that the first lady, Melania Trump may have plans to pen a tell-all memoir about her time in Washington, DC's most famous address.

According to Page Six, the former model, 50, is said to be "having meetings" to discuss a possible book deal with reports that she has been encouraged to do so by her husband current US President Donald Trump.

A quick look through history shows that memoirs by presidential spouses were not very common until the publication of Betty Ford's The Times of My Life in 1978.

Since then, every first lady has written and published at least one memoir about their life, with those written by Betty Ford, Rosalynn Carter and Barbara Bush also outselling the memoirs of their husbands.

But in addition to making the most out of the sudden free time, publishing can also be a lucrative way to earn an income once out of the White House, as shown by Barack and Michelle Obama. The couple reportedly earned $60 million for a package deal to the rights to their memoirs.

So while Melania certainly isn't the first and likely won't be the last, here's a look at the other former US first ladies who have written memoirs since departing the White House:

The Personal Memoirs of Julia Dent Grant (1975) – Julia Grant

Recollections of Full Years (1914) – Helen Taft

My Memoir (1939) – Edith Wilson

This is My Story (1937), This I Remember (1949), On My Own (1958), The Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt (1961) – Eleanor Roosevelt

A White House Diary (1970) – Lady Bird Johnson

The Times of My Life (1978), Betty: A Glad Awakening (1987) – Betty Ford

First Lady from Plains (1984), Everything to Gain: Making the Most of the Rest of Your Life (1987) – Rosalynn Carter

Nancy: The Autobiography of America's First Lady (1980), My Turn: The Memoirs of Nancy Reagan (1989) – Nancy Reagan

Barbara Bush: A Memoir (1994), Reflections: Life After the White House (2004) – Barbara Bush

Living History (2003), Hard Choices (2014), What Happened (2017) – Hillary Clinton

Spoken from the Heart (2010) – Laura Bush

Becoming (2018) – Michelle Obama

Here's a look at all the US first ladies in history:

  • 1. Martha Dandridge Custis Washington, pictured in a sketch circa 1800, was the wife of George Washington, the first President of the United States. She was First Lady between 1789 and 1797, though the now widely recognised title was not coined until much later. Getty Images
    1. Martha Dandridge Custis Washington, pictured in a sketch circa 1800, was the wife of George Washington, the first President of the United States. She was First Lady between 1789 and 1797, though the now widely recognised title was not coined until much later. Getty Images
  • 2. Abigail Smith Adams, wife of John Adams, was the first woman to serve as Second Lady of US and the second woman to serve as First Lady. She was First Lady between 1797 and 1801, and also mother to future president John Quincy Adams. Wikimedia Commons
    2. Abigail Smith Adams, wife of John Adams, was the first woman to serve as Second Lady of US and the second woman to serve as First Lady. She was First Lady between 1797 and 1801, and also mother to future president John Quincy Adams. Wikimedia Commons
  • 3. Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson, depicted in a painting by Herdon Jefferson, was the wife of Thomas Jefferson. She did not live to see her husband become president, however, so did not officially serve as First Lady. The Jeffersons' daughter, Martha Jefferson Randolph, did serve as an informal First Lady to her father during his tenure between 1801 and 1809. Alamy
    3. Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson, depicted in a painting by Herdon Jefferson, was the wife of Thomas Jefferson. She did not live to see her husband become president, however, so did not officially serve as First Lady. The Jeffersons' daughter, Martha Jefferson Randolph, did serve as an informal First Lady to her father during his tenure between 1801 and 1809. Alamy
  • 4. Dolley Payne Todd Madison, depicted in a painting by William S Elwell, was the wife of James Madison. She served as First Lady between 1809 and 1817. Wikimedia Commons.
    4. Dolley Payne Todd Madison, depicted in a painting by William S Elwell, was the wife of James Madison. She served as First Lady between 1809 and 1817. Wikimedia Commons.
  • 5. Elizabeth Kortright Monroe was the wife of James Monroe. She served as First Lady between 1817 and 1825 though, due to her ill health, was often assisted in duties by her daughter, Eliza Monroe Hay. Wikimedia Commons
    5. Elizabeth Kortright Monroe was the wife of James Monroe. She served as First Lady between 1817 and 1825 though, due to her ill health, was often assisted in duties by her daughter, Eliza Monroe Hay. Wikimedia Commons
  • 6. Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, captured in an artwork by GR Leslie circa 1800, was the wife of John Quincy Adams. She served as First Lady between 1825 and 1829. London-born Adams was the first First Lady to be born outside the US, a title only shared with Melania Trump. Getty Images
    6. Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, captured in an artwork by GR Leslie circa 1800, was the wife of John Quincy Adams. She served as First Lady between 1825 and 1829. London-born Adams was the first First Lady to be born outside the US, a title only shared with Melania Trump. Getty Images
  • 7. Rachel Donelson Jackson was the wife of Andrew Jackson, though she died before his inauguration. Her niece, Emily Donelson, instead acted as First Lady between 1829 and 1834. Wikimedia Commons
    7. Rachel Donelson Jackson was the wife of Andrew Jackson, though she died before his inauguration. Her niece, Emily Donelson, instead acted as First Lady between 1829 and 1834. Wikimedia Commons
  • 8. Sarah Yorke Jackson, the daughter-in-law of Andrew Jackson, took over all duties as White House hostess after Emily Donelson died in 1836. She served as unofficial First Lady between 1834 and 1837. Wikimedia Commons
    8. Sarah Yorke Jackson, the daughter-in-law of Andrew Jackson, took over all duties as White House hostess after Emily Donelson died in 1836. She served as unofficial First Lady between 1834 and 1837. Wikimedia Commons
  • 9. Hannah Hoes Van Buren was the wife of Martin Van Buren, however, she died before her husband became president. Angelica Singleton Van Buren, Van Buren's daughter-in-law, instead assumed the role of White House hostess. Wikimedia Commons
    9. Hannah Hoes Van Buren was the wife of Martin Van Buren, however, she died before her husband became president. Angelica Singleton Van Buren, Van Buren's daughter-in-law, instead assumed the role of White House hostess. Wikimedia Commons
  • 10. Anna Tuthill Symmes Harrison was the wife of William Henry Harrison. She was First Lady during Harrison's one-month term in 1841, holding the title for the shortest length of time. She was also the first First Lady to be widowed while holding the title, and was the grandmother of future president Benjamin Harrison. Wikimedia Commons
    10. Anna Tuthill Symmes Harrison was the wife of William Henry Harrison. She was First Lady during Harrison's one-month term in 1841, holding the title for the shortest length of time. She was also the first First Lady to be widowed while holding the title, and was the grandmother of future president Benjamin Harrison. Wikimedia Commons
  • 11. Letitia Christian Tyler was the wife of John Tyler. She served as First Lady from 1841 until her death in 1842, making her one of three First Ladies to die while in office. Priscilla Cooper Tyler, the daughter-in-law of the president, then assumed White House hostess duties until 1844. Wikimedia Commons
    11. Letitia Christian Tyler was the wife of John Tyler. She served as First Lady from 1841 until her death in 1842, making her one of three First Ladies to die while in office. Priscilla Cooper Tyler, the daughter-in-law of the president, then assumed White House hostess duties until 1844. Wikimedia Commons
  • 12. Julia Gardiner Tyler was the second wife of John Tyler. She served as First Lady from 1844, the year they married, until 1845. Wikimedia Commons
    12. Julia Gardiner Tyler was the second wife of John Tyler. She served as First Lady from 1844, the year they married, until 1845. Wikimedia Commons
  • 13. Sarah Childress Polk, pictured in a portrait by George W Dury, was the wife of James K Polk. She served as First Lady from 1845 until 1849. Wikimedia Commons
    13. Sarah Childress Polk, pictured in a portrait by George W Dury, was the wife of James K Polk. She served as First Lady from 1845 until 1849. Wikimedia Commons
  • 14. Margaret Mackall Smith Taylor was the wife of Zachary Taylor. She was the First Lady of the United States from 1849 to 1850. Wikimedia Commons
    14. Margaret Mackall Smith Taylor was the wife of Zachary Taylor. She was the First Lady of the United States from 1849 to 1850. Wikimedia Commons
  • 15. Abigail Powers Fillmore, pictured circa 1851, was the wife of Millard Fillmore, her former student. She was First Lady from 1850 to 1853. Getty Images
    15. Abigail Powers Fillmore, pictured circa 1851, was the wife of Millard Fillmore, her former student. She was First Lady from 1850 to 1853. Getty Images
  • 16. Jane Means Appleton Pierce was the wife of Franklin Pierce. She served as First Lady from 1853 to 1857. Wikimedia Commons
    16. Jane Means Appleton Pierce was the wife of Franklin Pierce. She served as First Lady from 1853 to 1857. Wikimedia Commons
  • 17. Harriet Lane, pictured circa 1857, was the niece of James Buchanan, the only unmarried president of the US. She served as First Lady from 1857 until 1861. Getty Images
    17. Harriet Lane, pictured circa 1857, was the niece of James Buchanan, the only unmarried president of the US. She served as First Lady from 1857 until 1861. Getty Images
  • 18. Mary Todd Lincoln, pictured circa 1865, was the wife of Abraham Lincoln. She served as First Lady from 1861 until her husband's assassination in 1865. She was seated by his side when he was shot at a theatre. Getty Images
    18. Mary Todd Lincoln, pictured circa 1865, was the wife of Abraham Lincoln. She served as First Lady from 1861 until her husband's assassination in 1865. She was seated by his side when he was shot at a theatre. Getty Images
  • 19. Eliza McCardle Johnson was the wife of Andrew Johnson. She was the First Lady from 1865 until 1869. Wikimedia Commons
    19. Eliza McCardle Johnson was the wife of Andrew Johnson. She was the First Lady from 1865 until 1869. Wikimedia Commons
  • 20. Julia Dent Grant was the wife of Ulysses S Grant. She was the First Lady from 1869 until 1877. Getty Images
    20. Julia Dent Grant was the wife of Ulysses S Grant. She was the First Lady from 1869 until 1877. Getty Images
  • 21. Lucy Ware Webb Hayes was the wife of Rutherford B Hayes. She was the First Lady from 1877 until 1881, and the first First Lady to have a college degree. Getty Images
    21. Lucy Ware Webb Hayes was the wife of Rutherford B Hayes. She was the First Lady from 1877 until 1881, and the first First Lady to have a college degree. Getty Images
  • 22. Lucretia Rudolph Garfield was the wife of James A Garfield. She served as First Lady in 1881 until her husband died from a gunshot wound. Wikimedia Commons
    22. Lucretia Rudolph Garfield was the wife of James A Garfield. She served as First Lady in 1881 until her husband died from a gunshot wound. Wikimedia Commons
  • 23. Ellen Lewis Herndon Arthur was the wife of Chester A Arthur. She died, however, before her husband assumed office. Mary Arthur McElroy, the president's sister, instead assumed White House hostess duties between 1881 and 1885. Wikimedia Commons
    23. Ellen Lewis Herndon Arthur was the wife of Chester A Arthur. She died, however, before her husband assumed office. Mary Arthur McElroy, the president's sister, instead assumed White House hostess duties between 1881 and 1885. Wikimedia Commons
  • 24. Frances Folsom Cleveland was the wife of Grover Cleveland. She served as First Lady from 1886, the year they married when she was just 21, to 1889 and again from 1893 to 1897. Rose Cleveland, the president's sister, served as White House hostess from 1885 until her brother's wedding. Wikimedia Commons
    24. Frances Folsom Cleveland was the wife of Grover Cleveland. She served as First Lady from 1886, the year they married when she was just 21, to 1889 and again from 1893 to 1897. Rose Cleveland, the president's sister, served as White House hostess from 1885 until her brother's wedding. Wikimedia Commons
  • 25. Caroline Lavinia Scott Harrison was the wife of Benjamin Harrison. She served as First Lady from 1889 until her death in 1892. Mary Virginia Ellet Cabell, Vice President Presiding of the Daughters of the American Revolution society which Harrison co-founded, assumed her duties until 1893. Wikimedia Commons
    25. Caroline Lavinia Scott Harrison was the wife of Benjamin Harrison. She served as First Lady from 1889 until her death in 1892. Mary Virginia Ellet Cabell, Vice President Presiding of the Daughters of the American Revolution society which Harrison co-founded, assumed her duties until 1893. Wikimedia Commons
  • 26. Ida Saxton McKinley was the wife of William McKinley in 1871. She served as First Lady between 1897 and 1901. Wikimedia Commons
    26. Ida Saxton McKinley was the wife of William McKinley in 1871. She served as First Lady between 1897 and 1901. Wikimedia Commons
  • 27. Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt was the second wife of Theodore Roosevelt. She served as First Lady from 1901 to 1909. Getty Images
    27. Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt was the second wife of Theodore Roosevelt. She served as First Lady from 1901 to 1909. Getty Images
  • 28. Helen Herron Taft, left, was the wife of William Howard Taft, centre. She served as First Lady from 1909 to 1913. Getty Images
    28. Helen Herron Taft, left, was the wife of William Howard Taft, centre. She served as First Lady from 1909 to 1913. Getty Images
  • 29. Ellen Axson Wilson was the wife of Woodrow Wilson. She served as First Lady from 1913 until her death in 1914. Margaret Woodrow Wilson, the Wilson's eldest child, then assumed White House hostess duties until 1915. Getty Images
    29. Ellen Axson Wilson was the wife of Woodrow Wilson. She served as First Lady from 1913 until her death in 1914. Margaret Woodrow Wilson, the Wilson's eldest child, then assumed White House hostess duties until 1915. Getty Images
  • 30. Edith Bolling Galt Wilson, the second wife of Woodrow Wilson, was First Lady from their marriage in 1915 until 1921. After the president's stroke in 1919, she is credited with helping manage his office.Getty Images
    30. Edith Bolling Galt Wilson, the second wife of Woodrow Wilson, was First Lady from their marriage in 1915 until 1921. After the president's stroke in 1919, she is credited with helping manage his office.Getty Images
  • 31. Florence Kling Harding was the wife of Warren G Harding. She served as First Lady from 1921 to 1923. Getty Images
    31. Florence Kling Harding was the wife of Warren G Harding. She served as First Lady from 1921 to 1923. Getty Images
  • 32. Grace Anna Goodhue Coolidge, right, was the wife of Calvin Coolidge. She was the First Lady of the US from 1923 to 1929. Getty Images
    32. Grace Anna Goodhue Coolidge, right, was the wife of Calvin Coolidge. She was the First Lady of the US from 1923 to 1929. Getty Images
  • 33. Lou Henry Hoover, centre, was the wife of Herbert Hoover. She served as First Lady from 1929 to 1933 and was the first First Lady to make regular nationwide radio broadcasts. Getty Images
    33. Lou Henry Hoover, centre, was the wife of Herbert Hoover. She served as First Lady from 1929 to 1933 and was the first First Lady to make regular nationwide radio broadcasts. Getty Images
  • 34. Anna Eleanor Roosevelt was the wife of Franklin D Roosevelt. She served as First Lady from 1933 to 1945, making her the longest-serving First Lady of the US. A diplomat and activist in her own right, she later served as a UN spokeswoman. Getty Images
    34. Anna Eleanor Roosevelt was the wife of Franklin D Roosevelt. She served as First Lady from 1933 to 1945, making her the longest-serving First Lady of the US. A diplomat and activist in her own right, she later served as a UN spokeswoman. Getty Images
  • 35. Elizabeth Virginia Wallace Truman, centre, known as Bess, was the wife of Harry S Truman. She was First Lady from 1945 to 1953. Getty Images
    35. Elizabeth Virginia Wallace Truman, centre, known as Bess, was the wife of Harry S Truman. She was First Lady from 1945 to 1953. Getty Images
  • 36. Mamie Geneva Doud Eisenhower was the wife of Dwight D Eisenhower. She was First Lady from 1953 to 1961. Getty Images
    36. Mamie Geneva Doud Eisenhower was the wife of Dwight D Eisenhower. She was First Lady from 1953 to 1961. Getty Images
  • 37. Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy was the wife of John F Kennedy. She served as First Lady from 1961 until her husband's assassination in 1963. During her lifetime, she garnered a reputation as a worldwide style icon. Getty Images
    37. Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy was the wife of John F Kennedy. She served as First Lady from 1961 until her husband's assassination in 1963. During her lifetime, she garnered a reputation as a worldwide style icon. Getty Images
  • 38. Claudia Taylor (Lady Bird) Johnson, pictured with Lassie, was the wife of Lyndon B Johnson. She was First Lady from 1963 to 1969. Getty Images
    38. Claudia Taylor (Lady Bird) Johnson, pictured with Lassie, was the wife of Lyndon B Johnson. She was First Lady from 1963 to 1969. Getty Images
  • 40. Patricia Ryan Nixon was the wife of Richard Nixon. She was First Lady from 1969 until 1974, when her husband resigned following the Watergate scandal. Getty Images
    40. Patricia Ryan Nixon was the wife of Richard Nixon. She was First Lady from 1969 until 1974, when her husband resigned following the Watergate scandal. Getty Images
  • 40. Elizabeth Bloomer Ford, known as Betty, was the wife of Gerald Ford. She was First Lady from 1974 to 1977 and known for her vocal support of issues such as feminism and equal rights. Getty Images
    40. Elizabeth Bloomer Ford, known as Betty, was the wife of Gerald Ford. She was First Lady from 1974 to 1977 and known for her vocal support of issues such as feminism and equal rights. Getty Images
  • 41. Rosalynn Smith Carter is married to Jimmy Carter. She was First Lady from 1977 to 1981. Getty Images
    41. Rosalynn Smith Carter is married to Jimmy Carter. She was First Lady from 1977 to 1981. Getty Images
  • 42. Nancy Davis Reagan was the wife of Ronald Reagan. She was the First Lady of the US from 1981 to 1989, and was originally an actress. Getty Images
    42. Nancy Davis Reagan was the wife of Ronald Reagan. She was the First Lady of the US from 1981 to 1989, and was originally an actress. Getty Images
  • 43. Barbara Pierce Bush was the wife of George H W Bush, and also the mother of future president George W Bush. She was First Lady of the US from 1989 to 1993. Getty Images
    43. Barbara Pierce Bush was the wife of George H W Bush, and also the mother of future president George W Bush. She was First Lady of the US from 1989 to 1993. Getty Images
  • 44. Hillary Rodham Clinton is the wife of Bill Clinton, serving as First Lady from 1993 to 2001. Clinton also forged her own political career, and was Secretary of State from 2009 to 2013. She also became the first woman to run for president of the US in 2016. EPA
    44. Hillary Rodham Clinton is the wife of Bill Clinton, serving as First Lady from 1993 to 2001. Clinton also forged her own political career, and was Secretary of State from 2009 to 2013. She also became the first woman to run for president of the US in 2016. EPA
  • 45. Laura Welch Bush is the wife of President George W Bush. She served as First Lady from 2001 to 2009. Getty Images
    45. Laura Welch Bush is the wife of President George W Bush. She served as First Lady from 2001 to 2009. Getty Images
  • 46. Michelle Obama, an attorney who studied at Princeton University and Harvard Law School, is the wife of Barack Obama. She served as First Lady from 2009 to 2017. Getty Images
    46. Michelle Obama, an attorney who studied at Princeton University and Harvard Law School, is the wife of Barack Obama. She served as First Lady from 2009 to 2017. Getty Images
  • 47. Melania Trump is the wife of current US President Donald Trump. She became First Lady in 2017 and will pass over the baton next year. She is the only First Lady to become a naturalised US citizen. EPA
    47. Melania Trump is the wife of current US President Donald Trump. She became First Lady in 2017 and will pass over the baton next year. She is the only First Lady to become a naturalised US citizen. EPA
  • 48. Jill Biden is the wife of President-elect Joe Biden. She will assume the role of First Lady in January 2021. The English teacher previously acted as Second Lady of the US from 2009 to 2017. EPA
    48. Jill Biden is the wife of President-elect Joe Biden. She will assume the role of First Lady in January 2021. The English teacher previously acted as Second Lady of the US from 2009 to 2017. EPA
Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home. 

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

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