Death of Lady Bird Johnson, aged 94

THE much-loved wife of former American president Lyndon Johnson died last night, aged 94.

Lady Bird Johnson passed away at her home in Austin, Texas.

Born Claudia Alta Taylor, she was universally known by her childhood nickname, Lady Bird.

Doctors said she had been suffering from a fever for the past week.

She is credited with transforming the role of the First Lady giving it a professionalism and prominence never seen before.

Mrs Johnson was one of the first environmentalists in American politics and was described by her husband as the “brains and money” behind the family.

The latter reference referred to the manner in which her business skills help propel Johnson to the White House as Vice President. He took over as President after the death of John F Kennedy.

She lived in the White House during her husband’s presidency of 1963-1969.

Mrs Johnson was seen as the calm and steadying influence on her often moody and volatile husband as she quietly attended to the demands imposed by his career.

During her husband’s presidency Mrs Johnson championed a road beautification project and actively lobbied politicians to pass laws to that affect.

She founded the $10 million National Wildflower Research Centre in Texas, which opened in April 1995 and changed its name to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Centre in 1998.