Betty Ford dies at 93

Former US first lady Betty Ford has died at 93, a family friend said yesterday. Marty Allen said Mrs Ford, whose battles with cancer and substance abuse inspired millions to seek treatment, died on Friday. Mr Allen did not say how Mrs Ford died but...

Former US first lady Betty Ford has died at 93, a family friend said yesterday.

Marty Allen said Mrs Ford, whose battles with cancer and substance abuse inspired millions to seek treatment, died on Friday.

Mr Allen did not say how Mrs Ford died but expected the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library to release additional information.

Gerald Ford died in 2006.

The couple married in 1948, the same year the future president was elected to the US Congress. She was thrust into the spotlight in 1974 when he became president after the resignation of President Richard Nixon. She was diagnosed with breast cancer weeks later and won acclaim for her openness and courage.

Gerald Ford lost to Jimmy Carter in 1976. Mrs Ford was later treated for drug and alcohol addiction and then helped found the Betty Ford Centre to help others.

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