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First Lady is an unofficial term that is sometimes applied to the female spouse of a male head of state or head of government. When no wife is available for the purpose—as in the case of James Buchanan, or Thomas Jefferson—a female relative or friend may take on the role.

Although the words "first lady" were previously used in combination to refer to women, use of the title to refer to the spouse of an executive is credited to the United States where it was first widely used in 1877 to refer to Lucy Webb Hayes, popular wife of President Rutherford B. Hayes.

In many countries (such as the United Kingdom), the Prime Minister's spouse has no recognized function, duties or title, and the term is not used. In Commonwealth Realms the closest equivalent is the Viceregal Consort, the husband or wife of the Governor General (who can in turn be male or female).

Since the First Lady is not an elected or appointed official, she cannot be impeached. Any authority granted to the First Lady is derivative of the president's authority.

In the United States, the term First Lady is never mentioned in the United States Constitution, nor is it a position that is officially acknowledged for purposes of protocol. Therefore, in her official capacity as the wife of the sitting United States President, she is referred to as (present circumstances) Mrs. George W. Bush; when introduced in company of her husband during official functions, the couple is introduced as President and Mrs. George W. Bush. In informal – non State matters – the wife of the President may also be identified or introduced as First Lady, Laura Bush.

Several First Ladies have, however, exerted considerable power and influence over the course of government despite the lack of a legal mandate (example, Edith Wilson, wife of Woodrow Wilson). They have exercised personal and charismatic authority and have, in some cases, been the de facto head of state acting in the name of their spouse. That use of power has also been a frequent source of controversy and scandal when discovered.

Duties and ceremony

While the traditions and expectations of a First Lady vary by country and have changed significantly over time, they typically include responsibilities such as:
  • hosting receptions at the Presidential residence;
  • advocating on behalf of public causes and charities;
  • accompanying their spouse in official travel abroad;
  • State functions and other like duties.

Variations

The entire family of the head of state may be known familiarly as the "First Family".

The spouse of the second in command (such as a Vice President) may be known as the "Second Lady". Less frequently, the family would be known as the "Second Family". While this term has been used in the United States, it is considered outmoded and is not commonly used. Instead, the wife of the Vice President is officially called by her subordinate marital name (in the present circumstance, Mrs. Richard Cheney, on occasions when protocol is enforced, and by her professional name, Lynn Cheney in more informal settings).

In Canada, the spouse of the Prime Minister is referred to as simply the "wife (or husband) of the Prime Minister". The Governor General of Canada's husband or wife is referred to as the Viceregal consort of Canada. There have been three men in this role.

In situations where the head of state or government is a woman, the term "First Gentleman" is sometimes, but infrequently, used. See and [http://www.freep.com/sports/othersports/marathon/2004/maragood25e_20041025.htm for examples.

Park Geunhye, currently the head of the Grand National Party of Korea, has been referred to as the First Lady to South Korean President Park Chung Hee. Although she had been President Park's daughter, the title was bestowed to her after her mother's death.

In Peru, Alberto Fujimori stripped his wife Susana Higuchi of the title of First Lady after she accused him of torture and corruption, appointing their daughter Keiko Sofia to replace her.

Mireya Moscoso Arias of Panama conferred the title of First Lady on her sister, Ruby Moscoso.

Non-Political Uses

It has become commonplace for the title of "First Lady" to be bestowed on women, as a term of endearment, who have proven themselves to be of exceptional talent, even if that talent is non-political. For example, the term has been applied in the entertainment field to denote the First Lady of American Soul (Aretha Franklin), the First Lady of Hip-Hop/RnB (Faith Evans), the First Lady of the Grand Old Opry (Loretta Lynn) and the First Lady of the American Stage (Helen Hayes).

Notable First Ladies & Gentlemen

Notable First Ladies

See also: List of first ladies

Notable First Gentlemen

External links

  • http://www.dadashopping.net/work.php?code=behind_every_great_man_stands_a_great_woman
Paper on the role of the first lady and the influence she holds over the president

See also

First Ladies | Women's social titles

Præsidentfrue | First Lady | Primera Dama | Lehen Dama | Première dame | הגברת הראשונה | First Lady | ファーストレディ | Pierwsza dama | Primeira-dama | First Lady | 第一夫人

 

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the "First Lady".

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