#19: Emily Donelson

Emily Donelson’s role as First Lady was unique; she assumed the position after the death of her aunt, Rachel Jackson, President Andrew Jackson’s late wife. While her husband served as the president’s assistant, Emily took on the responsibilities of hosting and managing the household.

Emily’s sociable nature even led her to form an unlikely friendship with President Jackson’s rival, John Quincy Adams. However, a notorious rift developed between Emily and the president due to the Peggy Eaton controversy. When Emily declined to return to the White House, President Jackson sought a replacement hostess. In light of these events and the controversial nature of Jackson’s presidency, the 1982 Siena Research Institute survey ranked her 26th among First Ladies.