Pat Nixon has emerged from under a decades-long shadow cast over her by her husband President Richard Nixon’s scandalous Watergate legacy to become a formidable historic first lady. The revelations about Mrs. Nixon existed while she served as first lady. But, it wasn’t until the groundbreaking 2024 biography The Mysterious Mrs. Nixon: The Life and Times of Washington’s Most Private First Lady by Heath Hardage Lee, did a fuller picture of her service and contributions to the presidency come to light.
Revealed is a hardworking first lady whose authenticity is incontestable, so much so, it was considered one of the Nixon administration’s best assets. And it was deployed strategically in the shape of international diplomatic engagement around the world.
That aspect of Pat Nixon was captured in the recently released In Pursuit essay spotlighting the former first lady’s leadership lesson: The keys to successful international diplomacy in a democracy are personal authenticity, empathy and compassion for others.
Written by Lee, the essay explores how Mrs. Nixon’s diplomatic strengths led to an all-encompassing initiative that she described at the time as: “People are my project.”
Through Pat Nixon’s work with people, shone her finest attributes—compassion, empathy and authenticity, Lee says to East Wing Magazine in a recent interview.
“It was just her whole way of being,” Lee says. “That became her signature.”
For those unfamiliar with Pat Nixon, Lee shares a portrait of a first lady ready and willing to engage with the world through kindness.
“In July of 1969, the newly elected president and First Lady made a secret trip to war-torn Vietnam. Here, Pat was the first First Lady to enter an active combat zone in an open helicopter. While in South Vietnam, she visited American soldiers in hospitals, children left orphaned there by the conflict, as well as South Vietnamese allies–strengthening their spirits with her presence,” Lee writes. The following year, Mrs. Nixon would travel to the earthquake-stricken Peru—where President Nixon declared her solo “Global Ambassador,” something Lee says is one of Mrs. Nixon’s firsts, for which she had “so many.”
“I feel like the timing for Mrs. Nixon now is right for people to learn to appreciate her and understand fully what she did,” Lee says, pointing out that aside from her controversial husband, Mrs. Nixon is an individual and a woman. Shifting the spotlight to her from her husband is important. “It’s letting the president be the context and she the content.”
Notably, Lee’s essay does not mention Watergate and that was intentional. When people hear the name Richard Nixon, they think Watergate, she says noting there was so much more going on and among them, many good things. In particular, Lee says Mrs. Nixon knew nothing of Watergate. “She was not the elected official,” she says. “She was shut out of that circle.”
Prior to that troubled time, Pat Nixon traveled to China in 1972 where her rapport with Chinese Premier Chou En-Lai resulted in the gift of two pandas to the United States, an instance dubbed “panda diplomacy.” She would eventually travel more than any other first lady before her, the president once said.
And when it came time for her departure from the White House, Pat Nixon was still thinking of others. In the throes of her husband’s resignation and the transition to the Ford administration, Mrs. Nixon ordered 38 red roses for incoming President Gerald Ford and First Lady Betty Ford. Pat Nixon had looked after Betty Ford when she was thrust into the role of second lady after Spiro Agnew, the 39th vice president, resigned in 1973.
“That’s total poise under pressure,” Lee says. “Who would remember to do that when your heart is broken and you’re on your way out? I think that shows a lot about Pat.”
Calendar
Nov. 4, 2026
Mrs. Laura Bush’s Birthday at the Bush Museum
Join the George W. Bush Presidential Center on November 4, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time in celebrating Mrs. Laura Bush’s 80th birthday! Enjoy a surprise treat, photo opportunities, and special artifacts on display. Read more
Nov. 9, 2026
Reconcilable Differences
The JFK Library will present on November 9, at 7 p.m. ET, author and historian Barbara Perry, co-chair of the Presidential Oral History Project at the University of Virginia’s Miller Center, to discuss her new book, Reconcilable Differences: The Unlikely Political Alliance of John F. Kennedy and Eleanor Roosevelt. Perry explores the remarkable partnership between two American icons who found common bonds on civil rights, women’s rights, and the Peace Corps. USA Today Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page will moderate. Read more
Nov. 10, 2026
White House History Live: Culinary Diplomats: The Gastronomic Legacy of White House Executive Chefs (1961-2024)
The White House Historical Association presents the next episode of White House History Live with guest curator Ethan McNamara discussing his exhibit, Culinary Diplomats: The Gastronomic Legacy of White House Executive Chefs (1961-2024), which celebrates the White House Executive Chef position and kitchen commanders who elevated White House dining to luxury-hotel standards. Read more
Nov. 11, 2026
Talk with a Curator
The National First Ladies presents a virtual event from 7 to 8 p.m. ET on Nov. 11, 2026, featuring its curatorial team and how they research, preserve, and interpret the artifacts they care for. Discover how they bring stories to life with specially curated exhibits that give a glimpse into American history through the eyes of the first ladies that lived it. Read more
Nov. 13, 2026
Legacy Lecture: Abigail Adams, Liberty & Legacy
The National First Ladies presents at noon ET on November, 13, 2026, the birth of America through First Lady Abigail Adams’ eyes at this virtual performance of award-winning actress Sheryl Faye’s, Liberty & Legacy. A bold new chapter in ‘Sheryl Faye Presents Historical Women,’ Liberty & Legacy is a multimedia live performance that brings the words, wit, and wisdom of Abigail Adams vividly to life. Read more
Nov. 17, 2026
First Lady, Author and Mother: An Introduction to Julia Dent Grant
Julia Dent Grant was known to many people in the 19th century as the wife of General and President Ulysses S. Grant, but she was significant in her own right. She traveled more than 10,000 miles during the Civil War visiting her husband on the battlefield while also caring for their four children. As first lady, Julia was a popular figure in Washington D.C., known for her interest in world affairs. Towards the end of her life she wrote an autobiography, becoming the first, first lady to write a published memoir about her life. In this program with Historian and Curator Nick Sacco, learn about one of the most important first ladies in our country’s history as part of the celebration of the 200th anniversary of her birth in 1826. This program is being offered as an online webinar. Read more
Nov. 18, 2026
Frontier First Ladies: How the American West Shaped America’s First Ladies
The Western Spirit Museum in Scottsdale, Arizona presents Stephanie Bohnak, director of Education & Curatorial Services at the Canton, Ohio-based National First Ladies in an in-person program about how the American West was woven throughout the lives of many first ladies. From westward expansion and cross-country travel to ranches, mining communities, and the rapidly growing cities of the 20th century, these women experienced a region that continually shaped the nation’s history and identity. Through stories of exploration, perseverance, and reinvention, discover how the evolving American West influenced the lives of several first ladies and how its enduring spirit of resilience, opportunity, and independence followed them all the way to the White House. Read more
Nov. 19, 2026
Third Thursday: Leadership & Legacy
The National First Ladies presents from 6 to 8 p.m. on November, 19, 2026, the story behind one of its most iconic artifacts—First Lady Betty Ford’s exclusive Frankie Welch scarf.
Custom-made by celebrated American designer Frankie Welch, the scarf reflects a decades-long friendship through thoughtful details, including Betty Ford’s favorite flowers, colors, and even her signature. Attendees will discover what this unique piece reveals about Betty Ford’s life before the White House and how she navigated diplomacy, public service, and the ever-evolving role of first lady in this in-person event. Read more
Nov. 25, 2026
First Ladies on the Page Book Club: White House Memories 1970-2007
The National First Ladies presents from 7 to 8 p.m. ET on November 25, 2026, First Ladies on the Page Book Club exploring 37 years of presidential history with White House Memories 1970-2007: Recollections of the Longest Serving Chief Usher by Gary J. Walters. This richly illustrated memoir allows readers to glimpse into the lives of seven of America’s first families through behind-the-scenes moments Walters’ witnessed during his career. The discussion will explore life inside the executive mansion during the eras of First Ladies Pat Nixon, Betty Ford, Rosalynn Carter, Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush, Hillary Clinton, and Laura Bush through a staff-led discussion. Read more
Dec. 1, 2026
Evening With Jill Biden
The LBJ Presidential Library presents at 6:30 p.m. on December 1, 2026 An Evening With Jill Biden as the former first lady reflects on her life inside the White House and her journey through a defining era of American history. The conversation will be moderated by Mark K. Updegrove, Chairman and CEO of the LBJ Foundation. This program is hosted by the Friends of the LBJ Library. Read more
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