The role of first lady is almost as important as her presidential husband. Sure, she might not have the exact same level of power, but her influence on the Commander in Chief is undeniable.
Plus, as we've especially seen in more modern first ladies, they also have their own work to accomplish for American citizens. In the early days, these women were mostly given the role of hostess for social events. Today, however, you can find the wife of the president traveling across the country — and the globe — to inspire good deeds.
But did you know they don't actually have to be married to the president to earn the title?
That's exactly what happened with the unique cases below. Take a look to discover which presidents relied on someone other than their wife to be first lady.
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[H/T: National First Ladies Library]
Thumbnail Photo: Wikimedia Commons
1. Martha “Patsy” Jefferson Randolph
When her mother, also named Martha, died in 1782, the 33-year-old daughter of Thomas Jefferson became her father’s most consistent sounding board. This continued throughout his presidency, following his inauguration in 1801, largely through letter correspondence with a few social appearances as well.
After information leaked about his controversial affair with Sally Hemings, however, Patsy moved into the White House with her family and took over the duties of first lady fully.
2. Emily Donelson
Before Andrew Jackson’s wife Rachel died just three months before his presidential term, she made arrangements for her niece, Emily, to fulfill the social role required of first ladies in her place.
Unfortunately, she also stirred scandal along with the wives of Andrew’s cabinet members when they ostracized Peggy Eaton, wife of War Secretary John Eaton. Known as the “Peggy Eaton Affair,” the women felt Peggy’s marriage to John so soon after the death of her sea captain husband was unacceptable and refused to acknowledge her invitations and existence altogether. Andrew was furious, ultimately firing and replacing his entire cabinet, and sent Emily away.
She unapologetically returned to the White House later, but died of tuberculosis before the end of his term.
3. Sarah Yorke Jackson
Andrew’s daughter-in-law also acted as first lady simultaneously with Emily, sharing the social duties.
Although Emily was the more dominant figure with her many social connections around D.C., Sarah seemed to be less involved in the Peggy Eaton scandal and took over all responsibilities in Emily’s absence.
4. Angelica Singleton Van Buren
Martin Van Buren’s wife passed away long before his presidential term, so his daughter-in-law took over the role. The Southern belle’s presence initially helped ease tensions between the North and South.
However, her privilege and obsession with European royal customs, which she implemented in her own way at the White House, ultimately cost Martin his reelection, as the rest of the country suffered a deep financial depression.
5. Jane Irwin Harrison
During William Henry Harrison’s infamously brief time as president — dying only 30 days after his inauguration, after neglecting to wear a coat throughout the ceremony — his wife, Anna, never made it to the White House.
Instead, he brought both his daughter, also named Anna, and daughter-in-law, Jane, with him and designated Jane to take over the duties until his wife could arrive. Obviously, that never happened.
6. Priscilla Cooper Tyler
After John Tyler inherited the presidency from William, his wife Leticia was unable to perform the social roles expected of the first lady from the confines of her “rolling chair.”
Those tasks were given to Priscilla, John’s daughter-in-law, who took over fully, following Leticia’s death in 1842.
7. Harriet Lane
Lifelong bachelor James Buchanan never married, so he enlisted his niece Harriet to take the reins as first lady throughout his presidency.
According to the official White House website, she “filled the White House with gaiety and flowers, and guided its social life with enthusiasm and discretion, winning national popularity.”
8. Mary Arthur McElroy
Chester A. Arthur’s wife, Ellen, passed away from pneumonia roughly two years before he was sworn in as president, so his sister Mary was given the responsibilities.
9. Rose Cleveland
Grover Cleveland was still a bachelor for the first two years of his initial presidency, having served two separate terms as the 22nd and 24th president.
During that time, his sister Rose filled the role of first lady before he eventually married Frances Folsom.
10. Mary Harrison McKee
As Benjamin Harrison’s eldest daughter, Mary became the de facto first lady following the death of her mother, Caroline, in 1892.
She brought along her husband and their two children to live in the White House for the rest of his term.
11. Margaret Woodrow Wilson
Margaret took over the social hostess roles for her father, Woodrow, after the death of her mother, Ellen, in 1914. She handed the job over to Woodrow’s second wife, Edith, in 1915.
Did you know there were so many first ladies who weren't the president's wife?
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