Tito, Jovanka Broz (1924–)

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Tito, Jovanka Broz (1924–)

Croatian revolutionary fighter and first lady of Yugoslavia. Name variations: Jovanka Broz; Jovanka Budisavljevic Broz; Jovanka Budisavljevic. Born Jovanka Budisavljevic, Dec 7, 1924, in rural Croatia near Bosnian border; dau. of Miko Budisavljevic (laborer); attended University of Belgrade; became 3rd wife of Josip Broz Tito (1892–1980, president of Yugoslavia), on April 25, 1952 (sep. 1977).

At 16, joined Communist underground (1940); became a private in the partisan army (1942) and fought in guerilla campaigns in the mountains; contracted typhus and was brought to the field hospital at headquarters of commander in chief, Josip Broz Tito; assuming a more subordinate role after her marriage, was first lady of Yugoslavia (1953–80); hailed as attractive, elegant and vivacious, traveled often with Tito and attended numerous public functions; furthered her own interrupted education and was particularly involved in the issue of women's rights; after husband died, was prevented from inheriting his wealth; when Slobodan Milosevic was in power, was kept under virtual house arrest, watched by secret police and denied visitors; attended a wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial to husband in Belgrade (2000). Josip Broz Tito was 1st married to Pelagia Belousova (or Belousnova), then Herta Hass.

See also Women in World History.

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