The Most Iconic Moments Between Former First Ladies Caught on Camera

From Jackie Kennedy and Mamie Eisenhower at the White House to Michelle Obama supporting Hillary Clinton on the campaign trail — here's a look back at the lasting bond between first ladies

For as long as there have been presidents of the United States, there have been First Ladies of the United States. And as there are very few people who know what it's like to take the highest office in the U.S. — 45 to be exact — the same can be said for the women who have stood by their sides.

At the moment, there are just four living former first ladies: Hillary Clinton, 76, Laura Bush, 77, Michelle Obama, 59, and Melania Trump, 53. Rosalynn Carter died at age 96 on Nov. 19, 2023.

Take a look at some iconic snapshots of these women spending time together, dating back to 1952. From sweet embraces to official appearances, here are some moments shared between the previous First Ladies of the United States — and captured on camera.

Passing the Torch

Ahead of Dwight Eisenhower's first of two terms in the White House, then-First Lady Bess Truman greeted Mamie Eisenhower at the president's residence in 1952.

New Ideas

After visiting the White House ahead of her husband's inauguration, Jackie Kennedy toured the residence with then-First Lady Mamie Eisenhower (pictured).

Jackie was disappointed by the house's appearance, the JFK Presidential Library and Museum notes, and referred to the White House as "that dreary Maison Blanche," believing it should be furnished with antiques to reflect the country's history.

Milestone Moment

In 1977, then-First Lady Betty Ford posed alongside her friend Rosalynn Carter in the White House just before Jimmy Carter's inauguration in January 1977.

Arm in Arm

In July 1990, Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush, Pat Nixon and Betty Ford came together for the dedication of Richard M. Nixon Library — the grounds of which are situated where the former president was born.

Power Move

In 1991, six American first ladies attended the dedication of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. Dressed in iconic ensembles of the time — are those shoulder pads we see? — Barbara Bush, Nancy Reagan, Rosalynn Carter, Betty Ford, Pat Nixon and Lady Bird Johnson are pictured walking together at the ceremony.

Portrait Poised

At the ceremony, the six women posed for this lovely portrait.

Sharing a Smile

Barbara Bush, Lady Bird Johnson, Betty Ford and Nancy Reagan shared a sweet moment in 1994.

First Ladies Unite!

Six of the seven living first ladies at the time gathered together in May 1994 for a gala celebrating the new National Garden at the United States Botanic Garden — an effort made possible by the nation's first ladies, the U.S. Botanic Garden noted.

Pictured above: Lady Bird Johnson, Betty Ford, Rosalynn Carter, Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush and then-First Lady Hillary Clinton.

When in Texas

To keep with tradition, the dedication of the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library in College Station, Texas, in November 1997 was another reason for the first ladies to gather together. Pictured here: then-First Lady Hillary Clinton, Lady Bird Johnson, Barbara Bush, Betty Ford and Nancy Reagan.

Side by Side

Rosalynn Carter was also in attendance — pictured here on the far left.

Dressed Up

At the 20th anniversary celebration of the Betty Ford Center, Rosalynn Carter, Barbara Bush, Nancy Reagan, Hillary Clinton and Betty Ford herself all dressed to the nines for the special occasion in January 2003.

Front and Center

In 2009, Michelle Obama joined the first ladies' club when her husband, Barack Obama, took office. Michelle was joined by Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, Barbara Bush and Rosalynn Carter at the opening of the George W. Bush Presidential Center in April 2013 in Dallas.

Showing Support

When Hillary Clinton hit the campaign trail in hopes of securing the presidency in 2016, Michelle Obama was by her side. The two shared a sweet hug at an event in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in October 2016.

A Moment of Remembrance

The first ladies have come together in sad times, too, as they did in November of 2023 for the funeral of one of their own, former first lady Rosalynn Carter. Grandson Jason Carter, who was one of several Carter family members to speak at the service, thanked the women for their attendance, calling out the special "sisterhood" they share.

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