The official White House portrait of Lady Bird Johnson. (The White House Historical Association)

Lady Bird Johnson honored with U.S. postal stamp

Jul 30, 2012

In a rare tribute, Lady Bird Johnson is getting her own U.S. postal stamp — only the fifth first lady in history to receive the honor.

Johnson’s official White House portrait (she’s wearing a buttercup yellow gown and diamond earrings) will be used for a “Forever” stamp issued this December to mark the centennial of her birth. In addition, the USPS announced it will re-issue stamps from the 1960s honoring Lady Bird’s wildflower program.

“We’re pleased to join the celebration honoring what would be her 100-year birthday and also to continue to help further her important legacy of creating a more beautiful America,” Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe said in a statement Thursday.

Johnson, who died in 2007, is eligible because the postal service changed the longstanding rule prohibiting anyone — except presidents — from appearing on a stamp for 10 years after their death. The rules now allow recently deceased and even living subjects, a postal service spokesman told us. Letters supporting Lady Bird’s selection came from Texas lawmakers and the former living first ladies. read more