Dolley Madison was the First Lady from 1809 to 1817 and the wife of the fourth president of the United States, James Madison. James was Dolley’s second husband. Her first husband, John Todd Jr., died in 1793 from yellow fever. When Dolley’s brother-in-law attempted to keep her from the family estate, she was left trying to raise her two sons, Payne and William, without financial support.
Dolley and James Madison were married in September of 1794. Seven years later, James became Thomas Jefferson’s Secretary of State. Around the same time, Dolley began to act as the female co-host for receptions held by Jefferson, who was a widower, when a female touch was needed. In 1808, she helped rally support for her husband’s presidential race despite a woman’s involvement in politics being frowned upon.
Once James Madison was elected president, Dolley became First Lady and largely defined the role for generations to come. She worked with local charities and organizations on social issues that were important to her, oversaw the decoration of the White House and hosted events for Congressmen and other important officials. All are roles that First Ladies would continue to fulfill.
Dolley is probably best known for rescuing the portrait of George Washington from the White House when British troops torched Washington during the War of 1812. She remained an important figure until her death at the age of 81. President Zachary Taylor called her the country’s “first lady,” the first public reference to the term. The name stuck, as did Dolley’s influence.