Lady Bird Johnson, widow of President Lyndon B. Johnson, died Wednesday at 94 at her home in Austin, Texas.

The former first lady died of natural causes with family members and friends nearby, a spokesman said.

Her pet cause during the Johnson presidency was the environment, particularly cleaning up the nation’s highways. Though she was initially wary of being in the limelight, Johnson threw herself into her husband’s campaigns and eventual presidency. However, she did not find her White House tenure ideal. Mrs. Johnson dreaded the thought of a second term: “I do not know whether we can endure another four-year term in the presidency. I use the word ‘endure’ in Webster’s own meaning, ‘to last, remain, continue in the same state without perishing.’ I face the prospect of another campaign like an open-end stay in a concentration camp.”

Read more

Dig, Root, Grow

This year, we’re all on shaky ground, and the need for independent journalism has never been greater. A new administration is openly attacking free press — and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Your support is more than a donation. It helps us dig deeper into hidden truths, root out corruption and misinformation, and grow an informed, resilient community.

Independent journalism like Truthdig doesn't just report the news — it helps cultivate a better future.

Your tax-deductible gift powers fearless reporting and uncompromising analysis. Together, we can protect democracy and expose the stories that must be told.

This spring, stand with our journalists.

Dig. Root. Grow. Cultivate a better future.

Donate today.

SUPPORT TRUTHDIG