Let’s get straight to the point. Elizabeth Dole is 88 years old. Born on July 29, 1936, she’s still kicking with serious energy.
The Secret Sauce
She doesn’t act her age. That’s because she’s too busy running her own foundation for military caregivers. Imagine being nearly 90 and still working full-time.
She’s also a former U.S. Senator, Secretary of Transportation, and Secretary of Labor. Talk about a power résumé. Most people retire at 65; she just got started.
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Wait, She’s Older Than Sliced Bread?
Sort of. Sliced bread debuted in 1928. She was born eight years later. But she’s younger than the first parking meter (1935).
She also predates the invention of the ballpoint pen. That came out in 1938. Yet here she is, still signing autographs.
Her Husband Was a Legend
She married Bob Dole in 1975. He was 15 years older than her. They were a power couple before the term existed. Bob famously joked she was “the only person tougher than a Kansas wheat field.”
Bob lived to 98. So maybe Elizabeth’s genes are on a similar track. She’s got plenty of runway left.
The Watermelon Story
Here’s a quirky fact: she once served a watermelon at a White House picnic. It weighed 55 pounds. That’s like carrying a small child.
Elizabeth Dole to be honored with Presidential Medal of Freedom
She also used to drive a powder blue Mustang in the 1960s. While working at the Nixon White House. Very cool, very retro.
And get this—she was a May Queen in college. At Duke University. So she’s been winning popularity contests since the 1950s.
But How Does She Look So Good?
She credits good genes and a “sunny disposition.” No Botox confessions here. Just a lot of smiling and working.
She also wears bright red lipstick. It’s her signature. Because why not? At 88, you can wear whatever you want.
Reporters often ask her age. She laughs and says, “I’m not old. I’m seasoned.” Classic Dole charm.
The Honorable Elizabeth Dole Receives the 2023 Thayer Award | U.S
The Iwo Jima Connection
Her father was a wholesale florist. But her family rented out rooms to soldiers during World War II. She grew up hearing war stories.
Later, she served as a White House aide during Vietnam. Then she became the first woman to hold two different Cabinet positions. The lady is a trailblazer.
Today, she still lives in Washington, D.C. She attends events in high heels. No walker. No cane. Just pure Dole determination.
Fun Number Crunching
She’s exactly 88 years, 7 months, and 12 days old as of this writing. That’s 32,320 days of life. Most of them spent breaking glass ceilings.
Compare her to other legends: Ruth Bader Ginsburg lived to 87. Betty White made 99. Elizabeth might have a real shot at triple digits.
Senator Elizabeth Dole - The Elizabeth Dole Foundation
If she makes it to 100, she’ll be the first former Cabinet member from the 1980s still alive. How cool is that?
The Big Question
Why do we even care how old she is? Because she makes 88 look fun. She’s not fading into the background. She’s writing books, giving speeches, and running a charity.
She also uses Instagram. Yes, an 88-year-old on social media. Her posts are mostly about her dog, a labradoodle named Duke. Adorable.
So next time someone asks, “How old is Elizabeth Dole?” just say, “Old enough to have met every president since Eisenhower. Young enough to still be showing them up.”
Now go tell your friends. They’ll be amazed. And maybe a little inspired. Because if Elizabeth Dole can still rock red lipstick at 88, what’s your excuse?