First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS) is the title held by the hostess of the White House, usually the wife of the president of the United States, concurrent with the president's term in office. Although the first lady's role has never been codified or officially defined, she figures prominently in the political and social life of the United States. Since the early 20th century, the first lady has been assisted by official staff, known as the Office of the First Lady and headquartered in the East Wing of the White House.
Dolley Madison is said to be the first wife of a president to be referred to as "First Lady" (at her funeral in 1849).
First Lady Barbara Bush, joined by Missouri governor John Ashcroft, with a "Parents as Teachers" group at the Greater St. Louis Ferguson-Florissant School District in October 1991. Mrs. Bush, who championed literacy as first lady, is reading Brown Bear, Brown Bear to the children.
First ladies (from left to right) Rosalynn Carter, Sen. Hillary Clinton, Barbara Bush and first lady Laura Bush at the opening of the Clinton Presidential Center in 2004
Lucy Webb Hayes
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Lucy Ware Hayes was the wife of President Rutherford B. Hayes and served as first lady of the United States from 1877 to 1881.
Rutherford and Lucy Hayes on their wedding day: December 30, 1852.
Lucy Hayes's Reception Gown, Smithsonian National Museum of American History
Hayes presidential china dinner plate, 1877