Introduction
Lady Bird Johnson was a former First Lady of the United States who served from 1963 to 1969 alongside her husband, President Lyndon B. Johnson. She was known for her advocacy for the environment, beautification projects, and her dedication to serving the American people. But the question remains, is Lady Bird Johnson still alive?
Early Life and Career
Claudia Alta Taylor, also known as Lady Bird Johnson, was born on December 22, 1912, in Karnack, Texas. She graduated from the University of Texas in Austin in 1933 with a degree in journalism. She met her future husband, Lyndon B. Johnson, while he was a congressional aide. They married in 1934 and had two daughters, Lynda Bird and Luci Baines.
During her time as First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson focused on her commitment to the environment and beautification projects. She created the Highway Beautification Act, which was signed into law by her husband in 1965. This act was designed to limit billboards and other advertising along the highways and promote the planting of wildflowers and other vegetation. She also established the First Lady's Committee for a More Beautiful Capital, which aimed to improve the appearance of Washington, D.C.
Later Life and Death
After her husband's presidency ended in 1969, Lady Bird Johnson continued her work in environmental and beautification projects. She founded the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in 1982, which is located in Austin, Texas. She also wrote a book, "Wildflowers Across America," which was published in 1988.
Lady Bird Johnson passed away on July 11, 2007, at the age of 94. She was buried alongside her husband at the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park in Stonewall, Texas.
Legacy
Lady Bird Johnson's legacy continues to live on through her work in environmental and beautification projects. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center remains a popular attraction in Austin, Texas, and her work on the Highway Beautification Act has had a lasting impact on the American landscape. She was also posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2014 for her work in environmental conservation and beautification projects.
Conclusion
Although Lady Bird Johnson has passed away, her legacy lives on through her dedication to serving the American people and her work in environmental and beautification projects. She will always be remembered as a trailblazer and a champion for the environment.