The Secret Habits of America’s First Ladies Were Stranger Than Anyone Knew

Rosalynn Carter did not treat being first lady as a mainly social position. After moving into the White House in 1977, she organized the East Wing like a serious workplace. She hired a chief of staff and created a clear office structure that allowed her to handle political and public duties efficiently.

Her chief of staff received a rank and salary similar to senior West Wing employees, which was unusual at the time. Rosalynn’s professional approach showed that a first lady could build her own working team and pursue major issues. Later first ladies followed many of the systems she helped establish.