Former First Lady Betty Ford Dies At 93

The New York Times reports:

Betty Ford, the outspoken and much-admired wife of President Gerald R. Ford who overcame alcoholism and an addiction to pills and helped found one of the most well-known rehabilitation centers in the nation, has died at 93.

Chris Chase, Mrs. Ford's biographer, said in a telephone interview that Mrs. Ford died on Friday surrounded by her children. The cause of her death was not immediately known.

Earlier, Nancy Reagan, the former first lady, released a statement of condolence. “She has been an inspiration to so many through her efforts to educate women about breast cancer and her wonderful work at the Betty Ford Center,” Mrs. Reagan said. “She was Jerry Ford’s strength through some very difficult days in our country’s history, and I admired her courage in facing and sharing her personal struggles with all of us.”