As is well-known, throughout the course of his ministry, Billy Graham met with many U.S. Presidents, lending him the nickname “Pastor to Presidents.” He was always willing to pray with, and give spiritual counsel to, the men in our nation’s highest office. His prayer focus and spiritual counsel did not stop at the Oval Office, however, but included those who played a major supporting role – the First Ladies.

Rev. Graham recognized that these women shared the burden of their husbands as they navigated world politics. Each First Lady joined in the triumphs and tragedies of the White House. Their friendship did not end with the presidential tenure, but extended for their lifetime.

In June 1969, following the death of her husband, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, former First Lady Mamie Eisenhower wrote a handwritten card to Ruth and Billy Graham from Brussels, Belgium:

Dear Ruth and Rev. Billy:

I have been so pleased to hear from you and told the story you related to me in the hotel about Ike and heaven – I love it.

It has been so good for me to be over here with John while Barbie is in the States. John left yesterday for U.S. to pick up his family. Tomorrow I leave for my tour of Germany, Italy, or any place I choose – playing it by ear. Weather has been hot and no air conditioning except in my Cadillac – most unusual.

Hope to be home at farm after middle of July. If you all are any place nearby do come and spend a couple of days in this restful spot.

Affectionately,

Mamie Eisenhower

Similarly, in 1993, following the death of the father of Hillary Rodham Clinton, wife to President Billy Clinton, Billy Graham sent his condolences via telegram. The First Lady responded with a thoughtful letter with a handwritten note in the postscript:

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Graham:

Thank you so much for your warm expression of sympathy. Your compassion and concern have truly uplifted us. Please continue to hold our family in your thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely yours,

Hillary

Thanks, as always, for your support and prayers for my family.

Billy Graham also made sure to remember these women as they experienced times of illness. In 1989, Barbara Bush wrote to thank Billy and Ruth Graham for remembering her in prayer as she had just been diagnosed with Graves’ Disease. She wrote:

Dearest Billy and Ruth:

How kind of you. I hope you both know just how much your telegram meant to me. I feel very very well… In fact I feel guilty when I see and hear of people who are really ill. So much has been made of this tiny problem. As you both know God has been good to us.

Thank you, dear friends.

Warmly,

Barbara

We do want to see you both.

Letter from Barbara Bush to Ruth and Billy Graham in April 1989

The correspondence wasn’t always following times of difficulty, though. There was often time for celebration of life events. Former First Lady Laura Bush made sure to remember Billy Graham on his birthday and sent him a card in 2013. On the card, she hand-wrote:

Dearest Billy,

I love you! Have a wonderful day!

Laura Bush

When the Billy Graham Library opened in 2007, Nancy Reagan made sure to send her greetings and congratulations:

I wish I could have been with you for the opening of the Billy Graham Library. What a wonderful day it must have been, and what a richly-deserved honor for you.

I hope your Library will adequately convey the impact of your lifelong commitment to your ministry. I hope visitors will learn about a young man from a small dairy farm who grew up to become a spiritual leader who has had a profound effect on people all over the world. And most of all, I hope if captures your humility and grace.

You have been an important part of my life and Ronnie’s, and I treasure the memories of the times we spent together. Some were joyful, some were sad, but your presence was always a great comfort to both of us.

I send my love to you and to Ruth and my congratulations on the opening of your library, which will be a beacon of hope for people around the world.

Fondly, Nancy

The Billy Graham Archive & Research Center houses Billy Graham’s correspondence, sermon notes, and memorabilia from his more than 70 years of ministry. To schedule a research appointment, visit BillyGrahamArchiveCenter.org.