Legacy

Nineteenth century mores required that a woman be present at any event to which both men and women were invited. Because Thomas Jefferson was a widower, he relied on Dolley Madison––the wife of his personal friend James Madison––to serve as primary hostess at White House gatherings throughout his two terms in 1801-1809. She had a passion for entertaining and was thrilled to accommodate him. Jefferson also sought occasional help from his oldest daughter Martha (Patsy) Jefferson Randolph. Jefferson’s seeking of help from a family friend and family member to fulfill the duties of a first lady created a precedent that other unmarried presidents followed in subsequent years.