Celebrities Pay Tribute to Betty Ford

Betty Ford, 93, died Friday at the Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, California.

Celebrities and politicians issued statements and tweeted tributes in memory of the former first lady, wife of former president Gerald Ford. She is also the founder of the Betty Ford Center for substance abuse where celebrities like Lindsay Lohan, Drew Barrymore and Robert Downey Jr. sought help.

The cause of her death has not been released yet.

Betty Ford in her younger years

Here are some of the kind words people had for Ford:

Steven Tyler: Betty Ford took a risk at one of the worst times of her life and came forward to share a message of recovery in order to serve others. Her vision, passion and amazing heart led to the Betty Ford Center, the gold standard of treatment facilities. She will be missed, but her work in recovery will live on.

Stevie Nicks: As far as Im concerned, Betty Ford saved my life.

Gena Rowlands: I was honored to play Betty Ford. I have the utmost admiration for her guts and humanity at a time when people didnt even say the word breast cancer. She inspired every woman in America, and a lot of people are sober because of her. She is a national treasure.

President Barack Obama: Throughout her long and active life, Elizabeth Anne Ford distinguished herself through her courage and compassion. As our nations first lady, she was a powerful advocate for womens health and womens rights. After leaving the White House, Mrs. Ford helped reduce the social stigma surrounding addiction and inspired thousands to seek much-needed treatment. While her death is a cause for sadness, we know that organizations such as the Betty Ford Center will honor her legacy by giving countless Americans a new lease on life. Today, we take comfort in the knowledge that Betty and her husband, former President Gerald Ford, are together once more. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to their children, Michael, John, Steven and Susan.

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