Clinton, Hillary Rodham (1947–)

American politician, lawyer and first lady. Born Hillary Diane Rodham, Oct 27, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois; dau. of Hugh and Dorothy Rodham; sister of Hugh and Tony Rodham; Wellesley College, BA, 1969, Yale Law School, JD, 1973; m. William J "Bill" Clinton (governor of Arkansas 1979–81, 1983–93, and president of US, 1992–2000), 1975; children: Chelsea Clinton (b. 1980).

Influential first lady who went on to become US Senator, was born into conservative Republican family in Illinois; moved with husband to Arkansas and established private law practice, specializing in family issues and children's rights; campaigned vigorously for his gubernatorial elections; worked on behalf of children and families during his 2 terms as governor, continuing law practice and founding Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families; campaigned again for husband in 2 successful bids for presidency (1992 and 1996); an unusually active first lady, inspired admiration as well as criticism; served as head of ill-fated Health Care Task Force; led successful efforts to increase immunizations for young children and expand children's health insurance coverage and was an advocate for prenatal care; wrote weekly syndicated newspaper column "Talking It Over" (1995–2000), as well as numerous books, including It Takes a Village (1996); became 1st wife of president to appear before a grand jury (1996) for questionable dealings in 1980s real estate, dubbed "Whitewater Affair"; hosted White House Conference on Early Childhood Development and Learning (1997), as well as White House Conference on Child Care; played role in passage of Adoption and Safe Family Act (1997); served as goodwill ambassador abroad, advocating human rights and women's rights; weathered infidelity scandal during husband's presidency; was the 1st former first lady to be elected to US Senate (2000); served on Senate Committees for Environment and Public Works as well as Health, Education, Labor and Pensions and is the 1st New York senator to serve on Senate Armed Services Committee.

See also autobiography Living History (2003); Margaret J. Goldstein and Joann Bren Guernsey, Hillary Rodham Clinton (Lerner, 2005).