They have the ear of the most powerful person in the country. They pillow talk with the president. They are... the first ladies.As Americans celebrate with fireworks and talks of the Founding Fathers, it's the women behind these presidents that leave an often overlooked mark.Abigail Adams wrote a letter to future president John Adams to "remember the ladies" while drafting the Declaration of Independence. The country's first ladies play a significant and unique role – and it's always evolving. We talk about the role and some of America's most memorable first ladies. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy