Perhaps Jeannette is best known for her role as First Lady of Arkansas during Winthrop Rockefeller’s two terms as governor (1967-1971). She also stood by Winthrop during difficult times as she loyally campaigned with her husband during the unsuccessful gubernatorial campaigns of 1964 and 1970.
The Rockefeller’s marriage suffered under the strain of a failed third-term gubernatorial campaign and Winthrop Rockefeller’s alleged problem with alcohol. The couple divorced in 1971. Shortly thereafter, Jeannette Rockefeller established residency in Palm Springs, California. During her time in Palm Springs, she continued her volunteer work and raised funds for AIDs victims. Jeannette passed on December 7, 1997, and is buried in Lake View Cemetery, Seattle, Washington.
The Palm Springs Walk of Stars honored Jeannette one year after her death for her fundraising efforts on behalf of those suffering from AIDS.
(Jeannette’s papers are available as a part of the Winthrop Rockefeller Collection (ualr.ms.0001). Â Find out more by visiting the finding aid online.)
