Betty Ford, 93, widow of former President Gerald Ford, passed away at the Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, California, according to FOX News. Along with Ambassador Leonard Firestone, she founded the Betty Ford Center, a leading rehab facility, in 1983.
Another first lady, Nancy Reagan, said, "I was deeply saddened this afternoon when I heard of Betty Ford's death. 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."
Her family plans to organize a service in California in a couple of days, after which she will be buried alongside her husband in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
UPDATE: Country music artist Larry Gatlin writes a tribute to Betty Ford, whom he credits with saving his life when he needed treatment for alcoholism.