Former US first lady Betty Ford passes away

Former first lady Betty Ford has died at the age of 93. File photo / AP

A family friend says former first lady Betty Ford has died at age 93.

Marty Allen says Ford, whose battles with cancer and substance abuse inspired millions to seek treatment, died Friday. A

llen did not say how Betty Ford died. He says he expects the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library to release additional information.

Her husband, Gerald, died in December 2006.

The couple married in 1948, the same year the future president was elected to Congress. She was thrust into the spotlight in 1974 when he became president after the resignation of President Richard Nixon.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer weeks later and won acclaim for her openness and courage.

Gerald Ford lost to Jimmy Carter in the 1976. Mrs. Ford later was treated for drug and alcohol addiction and then helped found the Betty Ford Center to help others.

- AP