Press Releases

 

"I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former First Lady Betty Ford. My family and I today offer our prayers and support to her family.

Betty Ford was a great American with a great legacy of being a passionate advocate for the issues she believed in.

After meeting her a number of times over the years, I could sense her warmth and kindness.

She cared deeply about others, as evidenced in her work helping people through their addiction and recovery from chemical dependency through the Betty Ford Center, and her work to raise awareness of breast cancer and many other issues.

Most of all, she supported her husband's service to the nation with admirable and mutual love and respect, at times literally his voice, like when he lost his during his concession speech.

This spring, at the dedication ceremony of the statue of President Ford in the Capitol, we were reminded of his calm leadership and his ability to reach out to others. It was as much a tribute to her as it was to him.

Again, we continue to pray for her children, Susan, Jack, Mike, and Steve, and the entire Ford family at this difficult time."

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