Whitney, Betsey Cushing Roosevelt (1908–1998)

views updated

Whitney, Betsey Cushing Roosevelt (1908–1998)

American socialite and philanthropist. Name variations: Betsey Cushing; Mrs. James Roosevelt; Mrs. John Hay Whitney. Born Betsey Maria Cushing, May 18, 1908; died in Manhasset, New York, Mar 25, 1998; dau. of Henry Cushing (neurosurgeon) and Katherine "Kate" (Crowell) Cushing; sister of Babe Paley (1915–1978) and Minnie Astor Fosburgh (1906–1978); m. James Roosevelt (eldest son of Franklin Delano and Eleanor Roosevelt), June 1930 (div. 1940); m. John Hay (Jock) Whitney (US ambassador to England); children: Sara Roosevelt; Kate Roosevelt.

While married to James Roosevelt, often acted as a White House host during Eleanor Roosevelt's frequent absences; with 2nd husband, became the toast of London, hosting royalty and dignitaries with elegance and simplicity; supported the Museum of Modern Art, Yale University, and the North Shore Hospital.

See also David Grafton, The Sisters: The Lives and Times of the Fabulous Cushing Sisters (Villard, 1992); and Women in World History.

About this article

Whitney, Betsey Cushing Roosevelt (1908–1998)

Updated About encyclopedia.com content Print Article