What is a First Lady?

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The title "First Lady" is used to describe the wife of an elected official. In the United States it is usually reserved for the wife of the President, a position currently occupied by Michelle Obama.

Though the term has been adopted by countries all over the world, it can commonly be traced back to Dolley Madison, the wife of the fourth U.S. President, James Madison. While her husband was serving as Secretary of State for third President Thomas Jefferson, Dolley was often asked to assist with hostessing and household duties, since Jefferson was a widower, and then continued her service through her husband's two terms as President. When she died in 1849, legend has it that then-President Zachary Taylor referred to her as "First Lady" in his eulogy (though no record of his speech as ever been found).

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In the event that a female president is elected it is thought that her husband, if she has one, will be referred to as "First Gentleman." When Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was running for President in 2007, her husband, Former President Bill Clinton, expressed his willingness to take over the more social role in the White House, saying, "I think that when someone you know and care about gets elected President, it should be all hands on deck."

Another vocal advocate of the term is Daniel G. Mulhern, the husband of Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, who has written about his belief that it is the best title to show respect and support for his wife.

In addition to standing behind her husband in his duties and campaign, the First Lady will often have her own causes that she will support; in February 2010, Mrs. Obama used her public platform to launch the "Let's Move" campaign, aimed at helping kids and parents realize the importance of eating healthy and getting enough exercise.

Ask a parent or caregiver if you can take a page from Mrs. Obama's book, and get outside for some fresh air and physical activity!