Rachel Jackson: podcast appearances and interviews

Rachel Jackson, born Rachel Donelson on June 15, 1767, was the wife of Andrew Jackson, the United States' seventh president. She lived at the Hermitage with her husband and passed away on December 22, 1828, just days after Jackson's election and prior to his inauguration in 1829. Consequently, she never served as first lady, a role that was later assumed by her niece, Emily Donelson. Rachel's early marriage to Lewis Robards in Nashville ended with a legal divorce before she eloped with Andrew Jackson around 1791, believing their marriage to be legally finalized; however, it was revealed that Robards had not secured a divorce at that time. After the divorce was finalized, they remarried in 1794. Rachel maintained a close relationship with Andrew Jackson, often experiencing anxiety when he was away attending to military or political duties. A Presbyterian, she was known for her deep religious piety. During the 1828 political campaign, she was subjected to severe personal attacks by supporters of Jackson’s opponent, John Quincy Adams. Jackson believed that these attacks contributed to her death and blamed his political enemies for her passing.