# First lady

> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/First_lady
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/First_lady.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_lady
> Source revision: 1353151538
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

{{Short description|Honorary title of the wife of a president or head of state}}
{{About|the title, sometimes unofficial, for the spouses or partners of elected heads of state in various countries|the United States|First Lady of the United States|5=First Lady (disambiguation)}}
{{globalize|date=September 2024}}
[[File:Mrs. Jehan Sadat and Mrs. Rosalynn Carter in Cairo, March 8, 1979 (10729894473).jpg|thumb|right|Egyptian first lady [Jehan Sadat](/source/Jehan_Sadat) receiving American counterpart [Rosalynn Carter](/source/Rosalynn_Carter) in [Cairo](/source/Cairo), March 8, 1979]]
[[File:First Ladies 2008.jpg|thumb|right|A group of first ladies assemble in the [Metropolitan Museum of Art](/source/Metropolitan_Museum_of_Art) in [New York City](/source/New_York_City), September 22, 2008]]
[[File:Michelle Obama and the spouses of the G20 leaders.jpg|thumb|right|First ladies of the [G20](/source/G20) in [Pittsburgh](/source/Pittsburgh), [Pennsylvania](/source/Pennsylvania), September 25, 2009]]
<!-- useful reference to be re-added, currently unused, rescuing here for future <ref>{{Cite news |last=Foreman |first=Amanda |date=2015-05-28 |title=The First Ladies and Their Predecessors |url=http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-first-ladies-and-their-predecessors-1432830990 |access-date=2023-11-09 |work=Wall Street Journal |language=en-US |issn=0099-9660}}</ref>--->

'''First Lady''' or '''First Gentleman''' is a title used in some countries, especially [presidential republics](/source/presidential_republics), most often for the spouse of the [head of state](/source/head_of_state). Occasionally another relative may be designated in the role, especially for unmarried or widowed officeholders. The term may also be used for the spouses of mayors, governors, et cetera.<ref>[http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first%20lady ''First Lady'', Merriam-Webster Dictionary], retrieved December 30, 2014</ref>

In Anglophone countries, the term is primarily associated [with the United States](/source/First_Lady_of_the_United_States), however the title has also occasionally been used to refer to the spouse of a head of government in some [commonwealth countries](/source/commonwealth_countries).<ref>{{cite news |last1=McGuirk |first1=Rod |date=May 2, 2018 |title=Australian first lady 'flattered' by 'delicious' description |url=https://apnews.com/article/a60ddf8ed23e4f0dae7f9b943cc5878b |access-date=September 20, 2021 |work=[Associated Press](/source/Associated_Press)}}</ref><ref name="visentin20180826">{{Cite news |last=Visentin |first=Lisa |date=August 26, 2018 |title=Jenny Morrison, Australia's new first lady |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/jenny-morrison-australia-s-new-first-lady-20180825-p4zzr2.html |access-date=September 20, 2021 |work=[The Sydney Morning Herald](/source/The_Sydney_Morning_Herald)}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Step forward Fionnuala -- Taoiseach's wife and his perfect partner as he runs country - Herald.ie |date=27 May 2011 |url=https://www.independent.ie/regionals/herald/step-forward-fionnuala-taoiseachs-wife-and-his-perfect-partner-as-he-runs-country/27980889.html}}</ref><ref name="SGFirstLady">{{cite news |last1=Lin |first1=Yijun |date=September 19, 2021 |title=【第一配偶】最會賺錢第一夫人：何晶將從新加坡淡馬錫退休 年薪至今仍是謎 |trans-title='First Spouse'- The most moneymaking First Lady: Ho Ching set to retire from Temasek (Holdings). Her annual salary is still a mystery |url=https://vip.udn.com/vip/story/121937/5728782 |access-date=September 27, 2021 |work=[United Daily News](/source/United_Daily_News) |language=zh-tw}}</ref> The traditional duties and social function of the role of First Lady in many ways echo the role of a [queen consort](/source/queen_consort) in countries with a monarchy.

Outside of the US, the role is most often found in Latin American countries.

The term First Lady has also seen figurative use to describe a person seen to be at the top of her profession or craft,<ref>[http://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/first-lady ''First Lady'', Collins English Dictionary], retrieved December 30, 2014</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131130143409/http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/First-Lady ''First Lady'', Oxford Dictionaries], retrieved December 30, 2014</ref> and is sometimes used in some Christian churches in the United States for the wives of Christian [pastor](/source/pastor)s in [denominations](/source/Christian_denomination).<ref name="Banks2007">{{cite news |last1=Banks |first1=Adelle M. |date=10 February 2007 |title=Pastors' Wives Move Beyond The Front Pew |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2007/02/10/pastors-wives-move-beyond-the-front-pew-span-classbankheadfirst-ladies-of-black-churches-take-on-more-leadership-rolesspan/35e4db19-e16b-4b88-b88b-0dfd1cbb2884/ |access-date=1 October 2024 |newspaper=[The Washington Post](/source/The_Washington_Post) |language=English}}</ref>

==History==
It has been noted that the earliest use of the term "first lady" is in reference to person of a high ranking or outstanding person in their field,<ref name="MerriamWebsterFirstLady">{{cite web |title=The Story Behind 'First person' |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/first-lady-flotus-history-usage |website=[Merriam-Webster](/source/Merriam-Webster) |access-date=September 24, 2021}}</ref> and that the term, as used to describe the spouse of the [president of the United States](/source/president_of_the_United_States), saw its first documented use in 1838 in reference to [Martha Washington](/source/Martha_Washington), who was never referred to as such during [George Washington](/source/George_Washington)'s time as president.<ref name="MerriamWebsterFirstLady"/>

The first person to have been referred to as "first lady" on a regular basis during their time in the position was [Harriet Lane](/source/Harriet_Lane), who was actually [James Buchanan](/source/James_Buchanan)'s niece, as Buchanan was a lifelong bachelor.<ref name="MerriamWebsterFirstLady"/>

==Variations==
<!--[First spouse](/source/First_spouse) redirects here-->
{{Redirect|First partner|the partner of Gavin Newsom|Jennifer Siebel Newsom}}
[[File:Queen Mathilde with NATO spouses 2017.jpg|thumb|[Queen Mathilde of Belgium](/source/Queen_Mathilde_of_Belgium) meeting with the first ladies and first gentlemen of NATO members at the [Royal Castle of Laeken](/source/Palace_of_Laeken) on May 25, 2017.]]
The male equivalent of the title in countries where the head of state's spouse has been a man, such as the [Philippines](/source/Philippines) or [Malta](/source/Malta), is '''first gentleman'''. "[First gentleman](/source/List_of_first_gentlemen_in_the_United_States)" is also used in the United States for the male spouse of a [mayor](/source/mayor) or [governor](/source/Governor_(United_States)).

'''First spouse''' and '''first partner''', both rare variations of the title, can be used in either case where the spouse of a political leader is of any gender. This term is used to promote [gender equality](/source/gender_equality) and [gender neutrality](/source/gender_neutrality).<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Steinmetz |first1=Katy |title=Wives of Political Leaders Have Long Been Called 'First Ladies.' California's Jennifer Siebel Newsom Has Other Plans |url=https://time.com/5499825/newsom-first-partner-first-lady/ |access-date=October 17, 2021 |magazine=[Time](/source/Time_(magazine)) |date=January 11, 2019}}</ref>

In the United States, collectively, the president of the United States and his spouse are known as the ''first couple''<ref>[http://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/first-couple Collins English Dictionary definition].  Retrieved December 8, 2013</ref> and, if they have children, they are usually referred to as the ''[first family](/source/first_family)''.

==Use in non-English speaking countries==
[[File:Marlon-Brando-Sylvi-Kekkonen-1967.jpg|thumb|American actor [Marlon Brando](/source/Marlon_Brando) meeting the first lady of Finland, Mrs. [Sylvi Kekkonen](/source/Sylvi_Kekkonen), in [Helsinki, Finland](/source/Helsinki) in 1967.]]
[French](/source/French_language)-speaking [countries](/source/Francophone) have used the term ''première dame'' for first ladies,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Innocenti |first1=Maeliss |title=Photo – Brigitte Macron étincelante en rose pour sa visite officielle à Athènes|trans-title=PHOTO - Brigitte Macron sparkling in pink for her official visit to Athens |url=https://www.gala.fr/l_actu/news_de_stars/photo-brigitte-macron-etincelante-en-rose-pour-sa-visite-officielle-a-athenes_476669 |website=[Gala](/source/Gala_(magazine)) |date=17 September 2021 |access-date=September 27, 2021 |quote=La première dame a accompagné le président pour son déplacement en Grèce. (The first lady accompanied the president on his trip to Greece.)}}</ref> regardless of where the first lady is from.<ref>{{cite news |title=La première dame critiquée pour s'être fait vacciner aux États-Unis|trans-title=First lady criticized for getting vaccinated in the United States |url=https://www.tdg.ch/la-premiere-dame-critiquee-pour-setre-fait-vacciner-aux-etats-unis-334073861497 |access-date=September 27, 2021 |work=[Tribune de Genève](/source/Tribune_de_Gen%C3%A8ve) |date=September 25, 2021 |language=fr}}</ref> At least one article, published in 2017, used the term ''premier monsieur'' for first gentleman. For that particular article, it was used to discuss the possibility of [Louis Aliot](/source/Louis_Aliot) becoming first gentleman, should his domestic partner, [Marine Le Pen](/source/Marine_Le_Pen), win that year's [presidential election](/source/2017_French_presidential_election),<ref>{{cite news |title=Première Dame ou Premier Monsieur?|trans-title=First Lady or First Gentleman? |url=https://www.magcentre.fr/128066-premiere-dame-ou-premier-monsieur/ |access-date=December 1, 2021 |work=Magcentre |date=May 5, 2017 |language=fr}}</ref> however [Emmanuel Macron](/source/Emmanuel_Macron) defeated Le Pen in that year's election.

[Portuguese](/source/Portuguese_language)-speaking [countries](/source/Lusophone) have used the term ''primeira-dama''<ref>{{cite news |last1=Máximo |first1=Wellton |title=Exame de primeira-dama para covid-19 dá negativo|trans-title=The First Lady tests negative for COVID-19 |url=https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/politica/noticia/2020-08/exame-de-primeira-dama-para-covid-19-da-negativo |access-date=September 20, 2021 |agency=[Agência Brasil](/source/Ag%C3%AAncia_Brasil) |date=August 16, 2020 |language=pt-br}}</ref> or "Primeira Dama"<ref>{{cite web |title=Gabinete da Primeira Dama|trans-title=Office of the First Lady |url=https://www.presidencia.gov.mz/por/Presidencia/Gabinete-da-Primeira-Dama |website=President of Mozambique |access-date=September 27, 2021 |language=pt}}</ref> for first ladies. The term is used regardless of where the person is from.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Máximo |first1=Wellton |title=Obama e Michelle: Nancy Reagan "redefiniu o papel de primeira-dama"|trans-title=Obama and Michelle: Nancy Reagan "redefined the role of first lady" |url=https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/internacional/noticia/2016-03/barack-e-michelle-obama-nancy-reagan-redefiniu-o-papel-de-primeira |access-date=September 20, 2021 |agency=[Agência Brasil](/source/Ag%C3%AAncia_Brasil) |date=March 6, 2016 |language=pt-br}}</ref> The term ''primeiro-cavalheiro'' is used for first gentlemen.<ref>{{cite news |title=primeiro-cavalheiro |url=https://estraviz.org/primeiro-cavalheiro |access-date=December 1, 2021 |work=Dicionário Estraviz |language=pt}}</ref>

In [Spanish](/source/Spanish_language)-speaking [countries](/source/Hispanophone), the term ''primera dama'' is used for first ladies,<ref name=colombia>{{cite web|url=http://wsp.presidencia.gov.co/Prensa/2010/Octubre/Paginas/20101001_15.aspx|title='He asumido mi compromiso con la niñez de Colombia con toda la disposición de mi corazón', afirma la Primera Dama|first=Design by Paul Andres Gomez|last=M.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Rivas Molina |first1=Federico |title=La foto de cumpleaños de la primera dama argentina pone a prueba la fortaleza electoral del peronismo |trans-title= The birthday photo of the first lady of Argentina tests the electoral strength of Peronism |url=https://elpais.com/internacional/2021-08-16/la-foto-de-cumpleanos-de-la-primera-dama-argentina-pone-a-prueba-la-fortaleza-electoral-del-peronismo.html |access-date=September 20, 2021 |work=[El País](/source/El_Pa%C3%ADs) |date=August 15, 2021 |language=es}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Primera Dama de la República de Panamá|trans-title=First Lady of the Republic of Panama |url=https://www.despachoprimeradama.gob.pa/Primera-Dama |website=Office of the First Lady |publisher=Government of Panama |access-date=September 27, 2021 |language=es}}</ref> regardless of the country the person is from.<ref>{{cite news |title=La primera dama de Haití continúa viva y recibe atención hospitalaria|trans-title=The first lady of Haiti is still alive and receiving hospital care |url=https://www.ultimahora.com/la-primera-dama-haiti-continua-viva-y-recibe-atencion-hospitalaria-n2949880.html |access-date=September 27, 2021 |work=[Última Hora](/source/%C3%9Altima_Hora_(Paraguay)) |date=July 7, 2021 |location=[Paraguay](/source/Paraguay) |language=es}}</ref> The term ''primer caballero'' has been used for first gentlemen.<ref>{{cite news |title=Néstor Kirchner: el 'primer caballero' sigue misterioso |trans-title= Nestor Kirchner: the 'first gentleman' is still mysterious |url=https://www.cronista.com/economia/Nestor-Kirchner-el-primer-caballero-sigue-misterioso-20090507-0131.html |access-date=September 20, 2021 |work=[El Cronista](/source/El_Cronista) |date=May 7, 2009 |language=es}}</ref>

[Sinophone](/source/Sinophone) countries have used the term 第一夫人 (''dìyī fūrén'') as a term for first ladies,<ref name="SGFirstLady"/><ref>{{cite web |last1=Li |first1=Ciyin |title=「永遠的第一夫人」逝世17週年 宋美齡晚年這樣過|trans-title='Eternal First Lady' passed away 17 years ago: how Soong Mei-Ling spent her twilight years |url=https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20201024001532-260407?chdtv |website=[China Times](/source/China_Times) |access-date=September 27, 2021 |language=zh-tw |date=October 24, 2020}}</ref> also without regards as to where the first lady is from.<ref>{{cite news |title=巴西第一夫人來美接種疫苗 國內狂批「假愛國」 |trans-title=Brazil's First Lady went to the U.S. to get vaccinated. People within Brazil criticized her as a 'fake patriot' |url=https://www.worldjournal.com/wj/story/121488/5772442 |access-date=September 27, 2021 |work=[World Journal](/source/World_Journal) |date=September 26, 2021 |language=zh-tw }}{{Dead link|date=September 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

===Europe===
====Czech Republic====
The term ''první dáma'' is used for wife of the [president of the Czech Republic](/source/president_of_the_Czech_Republic).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ulrychová |first1=Tereza |title=První dáma je zpátky před tabulí. Bidenová navzdory tradicím dál pracuje |url=https://www.seznamzpravy.cz/clanek/prvni-dama-zpatky-pred-tabuli-bidenova-navzdory-tradicim-dal-pracuje-174126 |access-date=September 24, 2021 |work=Seznam Zprávy |date=September 7, 2021 |language=cs}}</ref>

====Poland====
The term ''pierwsza dama'' (literal meaning: "first lady") is used by the wife of the current [president of Poland](/source/president_of_Poland).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prezydent.pl/pierwsza-dama/|title=Oficjalna strona Prezydenta Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej / Pierwsza Dama / Aktywność Pierwszej Damy|first=ideo -|last=www.ideo.pl|access-date=2013-12-02|archive-date=2015-10-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151009114233/http://www.prezydent.pl/pierwsza-dama|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Russia====
Foreign press reports have referred to the wife of the [Russian president](/source/President_of_Russia) as first lady.<ref name="SovietFirstLadies">{{cite news |last1=Kondratyev |first1=Andrey |title=Putins' divorce throws spotlight on 'first lady' role |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-22093625 |access-date=September 22, 2021 |work=[BBC Monitoring](/source/BBC_Monitoring) |date=June 7, 2013}}</ref> Russian first ladies have been less visible than their western counterparts due to historical reasons.<ref name="SovietFirstLadies" />

=====Soviet Union=====
It has been noted that [Soviet leaders](/source/List_of_leaders_of_the_Soviet_Union) generally preferred to keep their wives and families out of the spotlight, resulting in "invisible first ladies". As a result, low-profile first ladies remain common in post-Soviet countries, due to the leaders of those countries having grown up during the Soviet era.<ref name="SovietFirstLadies"/>

The wife of [Mikhail Gorbachev](/source/Mikhail_Gorbachev), [Raisa Gorbachev](/source/Raisa_Gorbachev), has been referred to as a Soviet first lady.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=J.Y. |title=Raisa Gorbachev, Last Soviet First Lady, Dies |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/inatl/daily/sept99/gorbachev21.htm |access-date=September 24, 2021 |newspaper=[The Washington Post](/source/The_Washington_Post) |date=September 21, 1999}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Bohlen |first1=Celestine |title=Raisa Gorbachev, the Chic Soviet First Lady of the Glasnost Era, Is Dead at 67 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/09/21/world/raisa-gorbachev-the-chic-soviet-first-lady-of-the-glasnost-era-is-dead-at-67.html |access-date=September 24, 2021 |work=[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times) |date=September 21, 1999}}</ref>

====Ukraine====
The wife of the country's [president](/source/President_of_Ukraine) has been referred to as перша леді (''persha ledi'') by the country's government.<ref>{{cite web |title=Олена Зеленська у Стенфордському університеті обговорила питання інклюзії, забезпечення рівного доступу та потреб студентів і викладачів з інвалідністю|trans-title=Olena Zelenska at Stanford University discusses inclusion, equal access and the needs of students and teachers with disabilities |url=https://www.president.gov.ua/news/olena-zelenska-u-stenfordskomu-universiteti-obgovorila-pitan-70537 |publisher=President of Ukraine |access-date=September 22, 2021 |language=uk}}</ref> The term "first lady" has also been used by the government in English language news releases.<ref name="UkraineFirstLady">{{cite web |title=Olena Zelenska at Stanford University discusses issues of inclusive activity, equal access, needs of students and teachers with disabilities |url=https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/olena-zelenska-u-stenfordskomu-universiteti-obgovorila-pitan-70537 |publisher=President of Ukraine |access-date=September 22, 2021}}</ref>

While some first ladies, like [Maryna Poroshenko](/source/Maryna_Poroshenko)<ref name="Poroshenko1">{{cite web |url=https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/marina-poroshenko-riven-inklyuziyi-v-osviti-pokaznik-stupeny-36072 |first=Maryna |last=Poroshenko |title=The level of inclusion in education is an indicator of the state development degree |access-date=November 15, 2017 |publisher= President of Ukraine |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814103946/https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/marina-poroshenko-riven-inklyuziyi-v-osviti-pokaznik-stupeny-36072 |archive-date=August 14, 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Poroshenko2">{{cite web |url=http://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/marina-poroshenko-ta-roman-kislyak-zustrilisya-u-stolichnomu-36788|title= Maryna Poroshenko and Roman Kysliak met in the coffeehouse in the framework of #накавуздругом social initiative |access-date=November 15, 2017 |publisher= President of Ukraine}}</ref> and [Olena Zelenska](/source/Olena_Zelenska),<ref name="UkraineFirstLady"/> have played a role in social activism, other first ladies, like Lyudmila Yanukovych, have rarely taken part in public roles.<ref name="SovietFirstLadies"/>

===Asia===
====Armenia====
The wife of the [president of Armenia](/source/president_of_Armenia) has been referred to as "Հայաստանի Առաջին տիկին" (''Hayastani Arrajin tikin'').<ref>{{cite web |title=Ռիտա Սարգսյան Հայաստանի Առաջին տիկին|trans-title=Rita Sargsyan The First Lady of Armenia |url=https://www.president.am/hy/rita-sargsyan/ |website=President of Armenia |access-date=September 22, 2021 |language=hy}}</ref> The term "first lady" has also been used.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rita Sargsyan First Lady of Armenia |url=https://www.president.am/en/rita-sargsyan/ |website=President of Armenia |access-date=September 22, 2021}}</ref> The spouse of the current president, however, is only referred to as "հանրապետության նախագահի տիկին" (''hanrapetut'yan nakhagahi tikin''),<ref>{{cite web |title=Նունե Սարգսյան Հանրապետության նախագահի տիկին |url=https://www.president.am/hy/Nouneh-Sarkissian-bio/ |website=President of Armenia |access-date=September 24, 2021 |language=hy}}</ref> or "wife of the president of Armenia".<ref>{{cite web |title=Mrs. Nouneh Sarkissian - Wife of the President of Armenia |url=https://www.president.am/en/Nouneh-Sarkissian-bio/ |website=President of Armenia |access-date=September 24, 2021}}</ref>

====India====

[First Lady of India or First Gentleman of India](/source/First_ladies_and_gentlemen_of_India) is the title given to the host of the [Rashtrapati Bhavan](/source/Rashtrapati_Bhavan%2C_New_Delhi), usually the spouse of the [president of India](/source/president_of_India). There are no official roles or duties assigned to the spouse. The Spouse generally attends official ceremonies, functions & accompanies the president on his or her official international tour.

====Indonesia====
[[File:Pb4-111201.jpg|thumb|right|Indonesian first gentleman [Taufiq Kiemas](/source/Taufiq_Kiemas) with [Megawati Sukarnoputri](/source/Megawati_Sukarnoputri) receiving Philippine counterpart [Jose Miguel Arroyo](/source/Jose_Miguel_Arroyo) with [Gloria Macapagal Arroyo](/source/Gloria_Macapagal_Arroyo) in [Jakarta](/source/Jakarta), November 12, 2001]]
The term {{Lang|id|ibu negara}} (lady/mother of the state) and {{Lang|id|bapak negara}} (gentleman/father of the state) is used for [wife](/source/First_ladies_and_gentlemen_of_Indonesia) of the [president of Indonesia](/source/president_of_Indonesia).<ref>{{cite news |title=Ibu Negara Iriana Jarang Tampak Dampingi Jokowi, Ini Penjelasan Istana|trans-title=First Lady Iriana Rarely Appears To Accompany Jokowi. This Is The Palace's Explanation |url=https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2021/01/16/17092611/ibu-negara-iriana-jarang-tampak-dampingi-jokowi-ini-penjelasan-istana |access-date=September 22, 2021 |work=[Kompas](/source/Kompas) |date=January 16, 2021 |language=id}}</ref> The term is also used to refer to first ladies of other countries.<ref>{{cite news |title=Foto resmi Melania Trump sebagai Ibu Negara, diluncurkan |trans-title=Melania Trump's official photo as First Lady, unveiled |url=https://www.bbc.com/indonesia/majalah-39487791 |access-date=September 22, 2021 |work=[BBC News](/source/BBC_News) |date=April 4, 2017 |language=id}}</ref>

====Iran====
{{Main|Shahbanu}}
Before the 1979 revolution there was the queen Shahbano. There is no office of first lady or first female (or madam بانوی اول Banuye Aval). In September 2023 the Iranian wife of the president denied news of being the first lady and said that actually the wife of the supreme leader of the revolution is the first lady. The minister of foreign relations also said the same thing. The wife of the supreme leader remains hidden, and there exists no image of her.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-25 |title=حتی یک تصویر ساده از همسر رهبر انقلاب وجود ندارد؛ همین کافی بود که جمیله علم‌الهدی از لفظ بانوی‌اول استفاده نکند |url=https://www.etemadonline.com/%D8%A8%D8%AE%D8%B4-%D8%B3%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%B3%DB%8C-9/634187-%D9%87%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%B1%D8%B1%D9%87%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%82%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%A8-%D8%AC%D9%85%DB%8C%D9%84%D9%87-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%87%D8%AF%DB%8C-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%88%DB%8C-%D8%A7%D9%88%D9%84 |access-date=2024-01-25 |website=اعتمادآنلاین |language=fa}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-25 |title=حسین امیرعبداللهیان: همسر رئیسی می‌گوید بانوی اول ایران همسر خامنه‌ای است |url=https://www.iranintl.com/202301223434 |access-date=2024-01-25 |website=ایران اینترنشنال |language=fa}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-25 |title=ببینید {{!}} من بانوی اول نیستم؛ همسر رهبر انقلاب بانوی اول هستند |url=https://www.etemadonline.com/%D8%A8%D8%AE%D8%B4-%D8%B3%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%B3%DB%8C-9/633958-%D9%87%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%B1-%D8%B1%D8%A6%DB%8C%D8%B3%DB%8C-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%88%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%88%D9%84-%D8%B1%D9%87%D8%A8%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%82%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%A8 |access-date=2024-01-25 |website=اعتمادآنلاین |language=fa}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=همسر رئیس‌جمهوری جدید ایران؛ بانوی اول کیست و چرا این مقام در ایران جایی ندارد؟ |url=https://www.bbc.com/persian/iran-features-58055588 |access-date=2024-01-25 |work=BBC News فارسی |language=fa}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-26 |title=«جمیله» یا «منصوره»؛ بانوی اول در «بیت» است یا پاستور؟ |url=https://www.bbc.com/persian/articles/cxwkz9gmm3lo |access-date=2024-01-25 |website=BBC News فارسی |language=fa}}</ref>

==== Israel ====
While the title "first lady" ({{langx|he|הגברת הראשונה}}) is not in official use in Hebrew,<ref name=mako>[https://www.mako.co.il/news-military/politics-q1_2018/Article-f15f2c676e92161004.htm The "First Lady" - will the head of ceremonies be fired? (in Hebrew)], [Mako](/source/Keshet_Media_Group), 24 January 2018</ref> [prime ministerial spouse](/source/Spouse_of_the_Prime_Minister_of_Israel) [Sara Netanyahu](/source/Sara_Netanyahu) has used the title to refer to herself in English.<ref name="saranetanyahu">{{Cite news |last=Gontarz |first=Nir |date=24 January 2018 |title=How did 'Mrs. Netanyahu' turn into 'First Lady'? 'The term came from the Prime Minister's Residence' |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2018-01-24/ty-article/.premium/how-did-mrs-netanyahu-turn-into-first-lady/0000017f-e06e-d9aa-afff-f97ebaf00000 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626000900/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2018-01-24/ty-article/.premium/how-did-mrs-netanyahu-turn-into-first-lady/0000017f-e06e-d9aa-afff-f97ebaf00000 |archive-date=26 June 2022 |access-date=29 March 2026 |work=[Haaretz](/source/Haaretz)}}</ref> This aroused controversy: since the [president](/source/President_of_Israel) is first in the [state order of precedence](/source/Israeli_order_of_precedence), outranking the prime minister, it is argued that the title of first lady "properly" belongs to the [president's spouse](/source/First_Lady_of_Israel). This view is followed by the office of the president, which uses the title "First Lady" to refer to the president's spouse in English.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Office of the President of Israel |title=The Institution of the Presidency |url=https://www.president.gov.il/en/institution/ |access-date=29 March 2026 |website=President of Israel |at=The First Lady of the State of Israel |quote=The roles and activities of the first lady are not formally defined by law or custom.}}</ref><ref name=presisrael>{{cite news|title=The First Lady: Nechama Rivlin |url=http://archive.president.gov.il/English/ThePresident/Pages/TheFirstLady_CV.aspx |work=Office of the [President of the State of Israel](/source/President_of_the_State_of_Israel) |access-date=2019-07-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325095006/http://archive.president.gov.il/English/ThePresident/Pages/TheFirstLady_CV.aspx |archive-date=2019-03-25 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Japan ====
In [Japan](/source/Japan), the term "Spouse of the Prime Minister" ({{nihongo||内閣総理大臣夫人|Naikaku Souri Daijin Fujin}}, literally "the wife of the minister of the Comprehensive Administration of the Cabinet") is the title used for the wife of the [prime minister of Japan](/source/Prime_Minister_of_Japan).<ref>{{Cite web |title=衆議院議員逢坂誠二君提出内閣総理大臣夫人の法的地位に関する質問に対する答弁書 |url=https://www.shugiin.go.jp/internet/itdb_shitsumon.nsf/html/shitsumon/b193105.htm |access-date=2022-05-10 |website=www.shugiin.go.jp}}</ref>

==== Vietnam ====
Currently, the [spouse of the President of Vietnam](/source/List_of_spouses_of_Vietnamese_presidents) is called {{Lang|vi|phu nhân chủ tịch nước}} ({{Literal translation|wife of the state president}}).<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2016-10-27 |title=BST áo dài Lan Hương ra mắt phu nhân nguyên thủ các nước tới Hà Nội |url=https://baoquocte.vn/bst-ao-dai-lan-huong-ra-mat-phu-nhan-nguyen-thu-cac-nuoc-toi-ha-noi-38286.html |access-date=2023-01-03 |website=Báo Thế giới và Việt Nam |language=vi}}</ref> The term ''đệ nhất phu nhân'' (lit: first lady) is also unofficially used by the press and on social media.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-24 |title=Đoàn Thị Giàu - "Đệ nhất phu nhân" giản dị nhất |url=https://vanhoavaphattrien.vn/doan-thi-giau-de-nhat-phu-nhan-gian-di-nhat-a6769.html |access-date=2023-01-27 |website=TẠP CHÍ ĐIỆN TỬ VĂN HÓA VÀ PHÁT TRIỂN |language=vi}}</ref> The most prominent and highest position in [Vietnam](/source/Vietnam) is the [general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam](/source/General_Secretary_of_the_Communist_Party_of_Vietnam) and the spouse of the officeholder is considered the authentic first lady of Vietnam.

=== Central America ===
====Costa Rica====
The wife or husband of the [president of Costa Rica](/source/president_of_Costa_Rica) is called ''Primera dama o Primer caballero de Costa Rica'' ("First Lady or First Gentleman of Costa Rica"). The term was first used under [Federico Alberto Tinoco Granados](/source/Federico_Alberto_Tinoco_Granados). The office and officeholder rely on private donations, rather than on official funding from the government budget, to cover its expenses.<ref name="costa_rica">{{cite news|first=Mauricio|last=Lopez G.|title=Primera Dama de la República: Leila Rodríguez, servidora a tiempo completo |url=http://wvw.nacion.com/ln_ee/2003/diciembre/01/pais2.html |date=2003-12-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816140101/http://wvw.nacion.com/ln_ee/2003/diciembre/01/pais2.html |archive-date=2016-08-16 |url-status=dead |work=[La Nación (San José)](/source/La_Naci%C3%B3n_(San_Jos%C3%A9))}}</ref>

[Marita Camacho Quirós](/source/Marita_Camacho_Quir%C3%B3s), First Lady from 1962 to 1966 during the presidency of [Francisco Orlich Bolmarcich](/source/Francisco_Orlich_Bolmarcich), was 114 years and 102 days old when she died, making her the oldest First Lady in history.<ref name="WSRL">{{cite web |url=https://longeviquest.com/supercentenarian/marita-camacho-quiros/ |title=Marita Camacho Quirós|publisher=LongeviQuest |access-date=2025-06-21}}</ref>

==Non-spousal uses==
In some situations, the title is bestowed upon a non-spouse.

===Australia===
Following the [leadership spill](/source/Australian_Labor_Party_leadership_spill%2C_2010) which installed [Julia Gillard](/source/Julia_Gillard) as the first female [prime minister of Australia](/source/Prime_Minister_of_Australia) on June 24, 2010, some [news media](/source/news_media) referred to her [partner](/source/Domestic_partnership), [Tim Mathieson](/source/Tim_Mathieson), as the "first [bloke](/source/bloke)".<ref>{{cite news |title=Tim Mathieson: why is Australia's 'first bloke' in the headlines? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/shortcuts/2013/jan/29/tim-mathieson-australias-first-bloke |access-date=September 17, 2021 |work=[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian) |date=January 29, 2013}}</ref> The Australian Government has referred to Mathieson as Gillard's partner, and has also recognized him as a prime ministerial spouse.<ref>{{cite web |title=Julia Gillard's partner: Tim Mathieson |url=https://www.naa.gov.au/explore-collection/australias-prime-ministers/julia-gillard/partner |website=[National Archives of Australia](/source/National_Archives_of_Australia) |access-date=September 17, 2021}}</ref>

===Bolivia===
[Evo Morales](/source/Evo_Morales), the former president of [Bolivia](/source/Bolivia), is single, so during his presidency his sister, [Esther Morales](/source/Esther_Morales), fulfilled the role of first lady.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jecks |first1=Nikki |title=Bolivia's First Lady hopes for unity |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7894334.stm |access-date=September 17, 2021 |work=[BBC News](/source/BBC_News) |date=February 17, 2009}}</ref>

===Chile===
[Irina Karamanos](/source/Irina_Karamanos), the domestic partner and girlfriend of [Gabriel Boric](/source/Gabriel_Boric), accepted the title of first lady despite both Karamanos and Boric's initial opposition to the position's existence.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chrysopoulos |first1=Philip |title=Irina Karamanos: The Greek Partner of Chile's New President Gabriel Boric |url= https://greekreporter.com/2021/12/20/irina-karamanos-chile-president-boric-greek-partner/ |access-date=June 16, 2022 |work=[Greek Reporter](/source/Greek_Reporter) |date=December 20, 2021}}</ref> Karamanos said that taking on the role would involve "adapting it to the times."<ref>{{cite news |title= Partner of Chile's president-elect draws feminist ire over first lady role |url= https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220121-partner-of-chile-s-president-elect-draws-feminist-ire-over-first-lady-role |access-date=June 16, 2022 |work=[France 24](/source/France_24) |date=January 21, 2022}}</ref> She suppressed the role at the end of 2022.<ref name="Schmit 2022">{{cite web |last=Schmidt |first=Samantha |title=Chile's millennial first lady wants to end the job for good |website=The Washington Post |date=2022-11-13 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/11/13/irina-karamanos-chile-first-lady/ |access-date=2025-12-24}}</ref>

===Ireland===
During the first half of [Bertie Ahern](/source/Bertie_Ahern)'s term as [Taoiseach](/source/Taoiseach), he was separated from his wife Miriam (née Kelly) and the role of first lady was filled by his then domestic partner, [Celia Larkin](/source/Celia_Larkin).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/celia-the-greatest-political-wife-this-country-never-had-26318026.html|title=Celia -- the greatest political wife this country never had - Independent.ie|date=15 September 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://irishecho.com/2011/02/ireland-debates-larkin-role-2/|title=Ireland debates Larkin role — Irish Echo|date=February 16, 2011}}</ref>

===Republic of Korea (South Korea)===
During the last five years of [Park Chung Hee](/source/Park_Chung_Hee)'s time as president, his daughter, [Park Geun-hye](/source/Park_Geun-hye), served as first lady following her mother, [Yuk Young-soo](/source/Yuk_Young-soo)'s death.<ref>{{cite news |title=Park Geun-hye: South Korea's first female president |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-20787271 |access-date=September 17, 2021 |work=[BBC News](/source/BBC_News) |date=April 6, 2018}}</ref> She has been regarded as a de facto first lady of South Korea by some modern sources.<ref>{{cite news |title=Park Geun Hye: Once South Korea's princess and de facto first lady, now dethroned in disgrace |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/park-geun-hye-once-south-koreas-princess-and-de-facto-first-lady-now-dethroned-in |access-date=September 17, 2021 |work=[The Straits Times](/source/The_Straits_Times) |agency=[Agence France-Presse](/source/Agence_France-Presse) |date=March 10, 2017}}</ref>

===Peru===
[Keiko Fujimori](/source/Keiko_Fujimori) took over the duties of first lady at the age of 19, after the divorce of her father [Alberto Fujimori](/source/Alberto_Fujimori) and her mother [Susana Higuchi](/source/Susana_Higuchi).<ref>{{cite news |title=Keiko Fujimori, daughter of Peru's disgraced ex-leader |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20191130-keiko-fujimori-daughter-of-peru-s-disgraced-ex-leader |access-date=September 17, 2021 |work=[France 24](/source/France_24) |agency=[Agence France-Presse](/source/Agence_France-Presse) |date=November 30, 2019}}</ref>

=== Philippines ===
[Elpidio Quirino](/source/Elpidio_Quirino) was a widower when he assumed the [presidency](/source/President_of_the_Philippines) since his wife was killed during [World War II](/source/World_War_II),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Latest news and current events updates {{!}} Yahoo News Singapore |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/ |access-date=2025-11-09 |website=Latest news and current events updates {{!}} Yahoo News Singapore |language=en-SG}}</ref> and as such, he appointed his daughter, [Victoria Quirino-Gonzalez](/source/Victoria_Quirino-Gonzalez) to serve as [first lady](/source/First_ladies_and_gentlemen_of_the_Philippines) and hostess of [Malacañang Palace](/source/Malaca%C3%B1ang_Palace).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tejero |first=Constantino C. |date=2015-12-05 |title='Do not depend on a man': Why the Quirino women are the family's driving force |url=https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/215227/do-not-depend-on-a-man-why-the-quirino-women-are-the-familys-driving-force/ |access-date=2025-11-09 |website=Lifestyle.INQ |language=en-US}}</ref>

[Benigno Aquino III](/source/Benigno_Aquino_III) had never married throughout his presidency, so Palace staff and occasionally, his sisters (primarily presidential sister [Kris Aquino](/source/Kris_Aquino)), take over duties traditionally reserved for the first lady, such as organising state dinners and entertaining guests.<ref name="San Juan 2014">{{Cite web |last=San Juan |first=Thelma Sioson |date=2014-07-26 |title=President who has no first lady: It is what it is |url=https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/166875/president-who-has-no-first-lady-it-is-what-it-is/ |access-date=2025-11-09 |website=Lifestyle.INQ |language=en-US}}</ref>

[Rodrigo Duterte](/source/Rodrigo_Duterte) had been previously married to [Elizabeth Zimmerman](/source/Elizabeth_Zimmerman) until filing for an annulment in 2000, he has since been in a relationship with [Honeylet Avanceña](/source/Honeylet_Avance%C3%B1a). When he was elected in [2016](/source/2016_Philippine_presidential_election), he announced his daughter [Sara](/source/Sara_Duterte) would become the first lady, she would later decline the offer to focus on her duties as [Mayor of Davao City](/source/Mayor_of_Davao_City).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alconaba |first=Nico |date=2016-05-11 |title=Mayor Sara turns down first lady job |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/784981/mayor-sara-turns-down-first-lady-job |access-date=2025-11-09 |website=INQUIRER.net |language=en}}</ref> The position would go on to be vacant throughout his presidency, as Duterte had not designated someone to be the first lady.

===United States===
{{main|First Lady of the United States}}

[Thomas Jefferson](/source/Thomas_Jefferson) was a widower by the time he took office as [president](/source/President_of_the_United_States), and his daughter, [Martha Jefferson Randolph](/source/Martha_Jefferson_Randolph), who served as the lady of the president's house on occasion,<ref name="MarthaJefferson">{{cite web |title=Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson |url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/about-the-white-house/first-families/martha-wayles-skelton-jefferson/ |website=[The White House](/source/The_White_House) |access-date=September 17, 2021}}</ref> has been recognized by the [First Ladies National Historic Site](/source/First_Ladies_National_Historic_Site) as being a first lady,<ref name="non spousalusfirstladies">{{cite web |title=First Ladies |url=https://www.nps.gov/fila/learn/historyculture/first-ladies.htm |website=[First Ladies National Historic Site](/source/First_Ladies_National_Historic_Site) |publisher=[National Park Service](/source/National_Park_Service) |access-date=September 17, 2021}}</ref> even though the White House website recognizes her mother, [Martha Jefferson](/source/Martha_Jefferson), as first lady.<ref name="MarthaJefferson"/> While [Dolley Madison](/source/Dolley_Madison) also served as hostess and Jefferson's escort on occasion,<ref>{{cite web |title=First Lady Biography: Martha Jefferson |url=http://www.firstladies.org/biographies/firstladies.aspx?biography=3 |website=[National First Ladies Library](/source/National_First_Ladies_Library) |access-date=September 17, 2021 |quote=whenever he had women dinner guests, he invited Dolley Madison (1768-1849), the wife of his highest-ranking Cabinet member, Secretary of State James Madison, as his escort, his vice president Aaron Burr also being a widower. At large open functions in the White House, Dolley Madison also assumed a public role as hostess, assisting the President in welcoming the general citizenry. |archive-date=October 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009215359/http://www.firstladies.org/biographies/firstladies.aspx?biography=3 |url-status=dead }}</ref> she is recognized as a spousal first lady by way of her husband's presidency following Jefferson.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dolley Payne Todd Madison |url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/about-the-white-house/first-families/dolley-payne-todd-madison/ |website=[The White House](/source/The_White_House) |access-date=September 17, 2021}}</ref>

[Andrew Jackson](/source/Andrew_Jackson)'s wife, [Rachel Jackson](/source/Rachel_Jackson), died before Jackson's presidency. Jackson's niece, [Emily Donelson](/source/Emily_Donelson), carried out the duties of first lady until her death, and Jackson's daughter-in-law, [Sarah Jackson](/source/Sarah_Yorke_Jackson), presided over the White House during the final months of Jackson's presidency.<ref name="RachelJackson">{{cite web |title=Rachel Donelson Jackson |url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/about-the-white-house/first-families/rachel-donelson-jackson/ |website=[The White House](/source/The_White_House) |access-date=September 17, 2021}}</ref> Both are recognized by the [First Ladies National Historic Site](/source/First_Ladies_National_Historic_Site) as being first ladies,<ref name="non spousalusfirstladies"/> despite the White House website recognizing Jackson's wife as first lady.<ref name="RachelJackson"/>

[James Buchanan](/source/James_Buchanan) was a lifelong "bachelor". During his time in office, his niece, [Harriet Lane](/source/Harriet_Lane), served as "hostess". She is recognized as having acted in the capacity of a contemporary first lady during her uncle's time in office, and is listed among other spousal first ladies on the [White House](/source/White_House) website.<ref>{{cite web |title=Harriet Lane |url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/about-the-white-house/first-families/harriet-lane/ |website=[White House](/source/White_House) |access-date=September 17, 2021}}</ref>

====Colorado====
[Jared Polis](/source/Jared_Polis), who was elected as [governor](/source/Governor_of_Colorado) in 2018, is openly gay,<ref>{{cite news |title=Jared Polis to become Colorado's first openly gay governor |url=https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-midterm-election-day-updates-2018-htmlstory.html#jared-polis-to-become-colorados-first-openly-gay-governor |access-date=September 17, 2021 |work=[Los Angeles Times](/source/Los_Angeles_Times) |agency=[Associated Press](/source/Associated_Press)}}</ref> and was in a long-term relationship with his partner, [Marlon Reis](/source/Marlon_Reis), at the time of his election. Reis was referred to as "first man" by Polis during a speech on the night of his election, and members of Polis' campaign said that Reis will take on the title of "first gentleman".<ref name="DenverPostPolisReis">{{cite news |last1=Garcia |first1=Nic |title=How should we refer to Governor-elect Jared Polis' longtime partner? |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2018/11/08/jared-polis-partner-marlon-reis-official-title-first-man/ |access-date=September 17, 2021 |work=[The Denver Post](/source/The_Denver_Post) |date=November 8, 2018}}</ref> The pair subsequently married in 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Birkeland |first1=Bente |title=Colorado Gov. Jared Polis' Wedding Marks 1st Same-Sex Marriage Of Sitting Governor |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/09/15/1037675898/colorados-polis-weds-marking-the-1st-same-sex-marriage-of-a-sitting-governor |access-date=September 17, 2021 |work=[NPR](/source/NPR) |date=September 15, 2021}}</ref>

Not all non-married partners of Colorado governors are called first lady or first gentleman, as Robin Pringle was referred to by ''[The Denver Post](/source/The_Denver_Post)'' as [John Hickenlooper](/source/John_Hickenlooper)'s girlfriend prior to their marriage.<ref name="DenverPostPolisReis"/>

====Puerto Rico====
After taking office as [Puerto Rico](/source/Puerto_Rico)'s first female governor, Governor [Sila María Calderón](/source/Sila_Mar%C3%ADa_Calder%C3%B3n) appointed her two daughters, [Sila María González Calderón](/source/Sila_Mar%C3%ADa_Gonz%C3%A1lez_Calder%C3%B3n) and [María Elena González Calderón](/source/Mar%C3%ADa_Elena_Gonz%C3%A1lez_Calder%C3%B3n), to serve as first ladies.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fvillarinni.tripod.com/silamcalderon/|title=Sila M. Calderon.|website=fvillarinni.tripod.com}}</ref>

=== South Africa ===
When [Nelson Mandela](/source/Nelson_Mandela) assumed the [presidency](/source/President_of_South_Africa) in 1994, he was in the process of divorcing his wife [Winnie Mandela](/source/Winnie_Mandela).<ref>{{Cite web |date=1992-09-06 |title=Letter to lover spells trouble for Winnie |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/letter-to-lover-spells-trouble-for-winnie-1549863.html |access-date=2025-11-09 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref> Instead, he appointed his two daughters, [Zenani](/source/Zenani_Mandela-Dlamini) and [Zindzi](/source/Zindzi_Mandela) to both become [first ladies](/source/First_Lady_of_South_Africa) from 1994 until 1998 when he appointed his third wife, [Graça Machel](/source/Gra%C3%A7a_Machel) to become first lady.

==Non-political uses==
It has become commonplace in the United States 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 or unique notoriety in non-political areas. The phrase is often, but not always, used when the person in question is either the wife or "female equivalent" of a well-known man (or men) in a similar field. For example, the term has been applied in the entertainment field to denote the "first lady of television" ([Lucille Ball](/source/Lucille_Ball)), the "first lady of song" ([Ella Fitzgerald](/source/Ella_Fitzgerald)), the "first lady of country music" ([Tammy Wynette](/source/Tammy_Wynette), although [Loretta Lynn](/source/Loretta_Lynn) was also known by the title), the "first lady of ''[Star Trek](/source/Star_Trek)''" (actor/producer [Majel Barrett](/source/Majel_Barrett)), the "first lady of American [soul](/source/Soul_music)" ([Aretha Franklin](/source/Aretha_Franklin)),<ref>{{cite news | title=Are you ready to think outside the box? The abuses of the English language that readers hated most have inspired a new Telegraph book, explains Richard Preston | work=Daily Telegraph | first=Richard | last=Preston | date=May 25, 2007 | page=24}}</ref> the "first lady of the [Grand Ole Opry](/source/Grand_Ole_Opry)" ([Loretta Lynn](/source/Loretta_Lynn)), "the first lady of American cinema" ([Lillian Gish](/source/Lillian_Gish)), the "first lady of the American stage" ([Helen Hayes](/source/Helen_Hayes)),<ref>{{cite news | title=The Year Of Hoping For Magic | work=The New York Times | first=Joan | last=Didion | date=March 4, 2007 | page=1}}</ref> and "the first lady of ([American](/source/American_football)) football" ([Norma Hunt](/source/Norma_Hunt)).<ref>{{cite news|title='First Lady of Football' Norma Hunt explains how Chiefs have evolved since first Super Bowl|publisher=NFL Network|accessdate=June 11, 2023|url=https://www.nfl.com/videos/first-lady-of-football-norma-hunt-explains-how-chiefs-have-evolved-since-first-s}}</ref>

The term has also been used to refer to wives of college and university presidents in some cases.<ref>{{cite web |title=Meet the First Lady, Beth Clements |url=https://www.clemson.edu/president/first-lady.html |website=[Clemson University](/source/Clemson_University) |access-date=September 22, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=First Lady Marisela Rosas Hemphill, Ph.D. |url=https://www.odu.edu/about/president/first-lady-biography |website=[Old Dominion University](/source/Old_Dominion_University) |access-date=September 22, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=IU president and first lady receive University Medal, IU's highest honor |url=https://news.iu.edu/stories/2021/06/iu/releases/11-university-medal-president-first-lady.html |website=[Indiana University](/source/Indiana_University) |date=11 June 2021 |access-date=September 22, 2021}}</ref>

The term "first lady" is also used to denote a woman who occupies the foremost social position within a particular locality, in this sense being particularly popular in [Africa](/source/Africa), where the pre-eminent female noble in some chieftaincy hierarchies, such as those of the [Yoruba people](/source/Yoruba_people), is often referred to by the title.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Sellers |first=Maud |date=April 1894 |title=The City of York in the Sixteenth Century |url=https://zenodo.org/record/1793611 |journal=The English Historical Review |volume=9 |issue=34 |pages=275–304 |doi=10.1093/ehr/IX.XXXIV.275|doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Russell |first=A. |date=1889 |title=The South African Republics |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/196671?seq=8 |journal=Journal of the American Geographical Society of New York |volume=21 |pages=494–515 |doi=10.2307/196671 |jstor=196671 |issn=1536-0407|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

In recent years, the term has also been used to refer to the [wife of the pastor of a church](/source/Presbytera), especially in predominantly [black church](/source/black_church)es.<ref>DuBois, Joshua. [http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/03/20/first-ladies-of-the-church.html "First Ladies of the Church"]. ''[The Daily Beast](/source/The_Daily_Beast)'', March 20, 2013.</ref>

==See also==
* [List of spouses of heads of state](/source/List_of_spouses_of_heads_of_state)
* [List of spouses of heads of government](/source/List_of_spouses_of_heads_of_government)
* [List of first gentlemen in the United States](/source/List_of_first_gentlemen_in_the_United_States)
* [Second lady](/source/Second_lady)
* [Queen consort](/source/Queen_consort)

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
{{Refbegin}}
* Abrams, Jeanne E.  ''First Ladies of the Republic: Martha Washington, Abigail Adams, Dolley Madison, and the Creation of an Iconic American Role'' (NYU Press. 2018) [http://www.h-net.msu.edu/reviews/showrev.php?id=53884 online review]
* Bailey, Tim. "America's First Ladies on Twentieth-Century Issues: A Common Core Unit", ''History Now'' 35 (Spring 2013) [https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-by-era/womens-history/resources/america%E2%80%99s-first-ladies-twentieth-century-issues-common-core- online] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015130651/https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-by-era/womens-history/resources/america%E2%80%99s-first-ladies-twentieth-century-issues-common-core- |date=October 15, 2013 }}, curriculum unit based on primary sources
* Berkin, Berkin, ed., "America's First Ladies", ''History Now'' 35 (Spring 2013) [https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-now/2013-03/america%E2%80%99s-first-ladies online] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130318193544/https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-now/2013-03/america%E2%80%99s-first-ladies |date=March 18, 2013 }}; popular essays by scholars
* Burns, Lisa M. (2008). ''First Ladies and the Fourth Estate: Press Framing of Presidential Wives''. DeKalb: Northern Illinois University Press. {{ISBN|978-0-87580-391-3}}
*{{cite book|last1=Caroli|first1=Betty Boyd  |author-link=Betty Boyd Caroli |title=First ladies : from Martha Washington to Michelle Obama|date=2010|publisher=Oxford University Press|location=Oxford, New York|isbn=9780195392852}}
* Horohoe, Jill, "First Ladies as Modern Celebrities: Politics and the Press in Progressive Era" (PhD dissertation, Arizona State University, 2011). DA3452884.
* Lugo-Lugo, Carmen R. and Mary K. Bloodsworth-Lugo. "Bare Biceps and American (In) Security: Post-9/11 Constructions of Safe(ty), Threat, and the First Black First Lady", ''Women's Studies Quarterly'' (2011) 39#1 pp 200–217, on media images of Michelle Obama
* Watson, Robert P. "Toward the Study of the First Lady: The State of Scholarship", ''Presidential Studies Quarterly'' (2003) 33#2 pp 423–441.
{{Refend}}

==External links==
* [http://www.planetrulers.com/first-ladies Current First Ladies (biographies and photo profiles)]

{{Spouses of national leaders}}

Category:Women's social titles
Category:Spouses of heads of state

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [First lady](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_lady) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_lady?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.