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

All the first ladies of the United States: From Martha Washington to Melania Trump

While the term was coined long after the first president took office, here's who has been the right-hand woman of the White House throughout history

Emma Day
Emma Day

November 24, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

Flotus will soon be in flux.

With president-elect Joe Biden set to take the reins at the White House in January, so, too, will his wife, Jill Biden, take the mantle of another of America's most famous titles.

The English teacher will become the next first lady of the United States when Biden is inaugurated early next year, inheriting the traditions and legacies of those who have come before her.

While the term first lady wasn't coined until the late 1800s, the wife of the first US president, Martha Washington, is popularly credited as the first woman to hold the position.

The first lady, however, has not always been the wife of the president, with daughters-in-law and nieces also assuming the duties of the role throughout history.

While the position has morphed during the centuries, and shifted as it has been inhabited by different women with different skills and interests, the first lady's role has long been associated with supporting the president both politically and socially, whether hosting events or backing charitable initiatives.

In more recent decades, the first lady has her own official staff and is typically expected to champion social causes close to her heart during the president's tenure.

Here, we take a look back at all the women who have held the position of first lady throughout the years, dating back to 1789.

On Women's Day
F1 The Movie

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Rating: 4/5

On Women's Day
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From Zero

Artist: Linkin Park

Label: Warner Records

Number of tracks: 11

Rating: 4/5

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Sri Lanka Test squad:

Dimuth Karunaratne (stand-in captain), Niroshan Dickwella (vice captain), Lahiru Thirimanne, Kaushal Silva, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Milinda Siriwardana, Dhananjaya de Silva, Oshada Fernando, Angelo Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Kasun Rajitha, Vishwa Fernando, Chamika Karunaratne, Mohamed Shiraz, Lakshan Sandakan and Lasith Embuldeniya.

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