A President's Secret: The Enduring Love of FDR and Lucy Mercer

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Lucy Mercer Rutherfurd spent the night of April 11, 1945, restless with worry about Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the thirty-second President of the United States, at the Little White House in Warm Springs, Georgia. Their relationship, described by Lucy as "inexorably drawn to each other," began in 1914. Roosevelt's wife, Eleanor, hired Lucy to assist with social duties in Washington. Their affair, discovered by Eleanor in 1918, led to a proposed divorce, but was thwarted by Roosevelt's mother, Sara Delano Roosevelt, citing financial and political repercussions. The affair ended, but their connection persisted.

In 1945, Lucy, having been widowed the previous year, was acutely aware of Roosevelt's frail health. The President, afflicted by poliomyelitis, found solace and therapy in Warm Springs, a place he had frequented since 1924. The "Little White House," completed in 1932, served as his retreat from presidential pressures.

Roosevelt returned to Warm Springs on March 30, 1945, for rest, accompanied by Dr. Howard Bruenn and other close associates. His deteriorating health was evident, and Dr. Bruenn imposed strict rest protocols. Lucy's presence was arranged by Roosevelt's daughter, Anna, unbeknownst to Eleanor. Roosevelt and Lucy had maintained contact, and their last meeting was facilitated by Anna while Eleanor was away.

Lucy arrived on April 9, 1945, with artist Elizabeth Shoumatoff, commissioned to paint a portrait of Roosevelt. The president's health showed slight improvement during this time, with activities including presidential duties in the mornings and leisure in the afternoons. Lucy's presence was a source of comfort for Roosevelt, who valued her listening skills and companionship.

On April 12, Shoumatoff began her portrait session with Roosevelt, capturing him in his cape, symbolizing his involvement in the upcoming United Nations Charter. During this session, Roosevelt collapsed. Despite immediate medical attention, he passed away, leaving a profound impact on those present, including Lucy and Shoumatoff.

The aftermath saw Lucy and Shoumatoff hastily leaving Warm Springs to avoid the arriving family. Shoumatoff, later pursued by the press, held a conference but respected Lucy's wish to remain unmentioned. Lucy, ensuring privacy, destroyed all correspondence from Roosevelt. Their relationship, a significant but discreet part of Roosevelt's life, remained relatively hidden from public scrutiny during Lucy's lifetime.

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