William Henry Harrison
William Henry Harrison’s presidency is quite famous, not for what he did, but for what he didn’t get a chance to do. Harrison died only 31 days after his inauguration, which means he had the shortest presidency in history.
Source: Wikipedia
While Harrison lay dying of pneumonia in April of 1841, he said, “Sir, I wish you to understand the true principles of the government. I wish them carried out. I ask nothing more.”
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Elected as president of the United States in 1953, Dwight D. Eisenhower was the 34th leader of the nation. He was known for his strong military stance, as well as his attempts to end racial segregation.
Source: Wikipedia
Eisenhower passed away just eight years after the end of his presidency due to heart failure, and just before he went, he was at peace with death, saying, “I want to go. God take me.”
Andrew Jackson
As the seventh president of the United States, Andrew Jackson served from 1829-1837 and is considered to be the first Democratic political leader.
Source: Wikipedia
Jackson was known for his dedication to fighting for the common man, and his last words on Earth seemed to fit this sentiment quite well. While dying of heart failure in 1845, he said, “I hope to meet you all in heaven. Be good children, all of you, and strive to be ready when the change comes.”
John F. Kennedy
Undoubtedly one of America’s most famous presidents, John F. Kennedy, often referred to as simply JFK, was assassinated during his presidency in 1963. He was the youngest man to ever be elected into office at only 43 years old.
Source: Wikipedia
After just two years in the Oval Office, Kennedy was shot and killed while riding in a convertible in a procession in Dallas, Texas. They say that just moments before the shots were fired, Nellie Connally, wife of the then-mayor of Dallas John Connally, told the president he couldn’t deny the people of Dallas truly loved him. To which he replied, “No, you certainly can’t,” which were his final words before death.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin D. Roosevelt was president of the United States during the Great Depression as well as World War II from 1933 to 1945. Even though Roosevelt led for one of the most challenging eras in American history, he is widely known as a successful leader, albeit with a few notable mistakes.
Source: Wikipedia
In 1944, FDR won the race for the presidency again, but Americans were quite worried about his physically weak appearance. And sadly, they weren’t wrong. FDR died in April of 1945 from a cerebral hemorrhage, just after telling the man painting his portrait, “I have a terrific headache.”
Grover Cleveland
Just after the Civil War, America elected Democratic leader Grover Cleveland. As of the start of 2024, Cleveland is the only president to have served two non-consecutive terms, though that may change in November.
Source: Wikipedia
Cleveland was known for building the oil and steel industries, as well as railroads and waterways, and was generally considered to be a positive influence on the nation. As he lay dying of a gastric ulcer in 1908, he famously said, “I have tried so hard to do right.”
Richard Nixon
Almost everyone knows the name Richard Nixon. As the 37th president of the United States, Nixon led the country through the end of the Vietnam War. But after the Watergate scandal, he became the first president to resign.
Source: Wikipedia
Nixon lived on for 20 years after his resignation, until 1994, when he suffered from a stroke and passed away at 81 years old. Just before losing consciousness, Nixon simply said, “Help.”
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was president during the Civil War and famously passed the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing the nation of slavery forever.
Source: Wikipedia
Lincoln is one of the most well-known presidents of all time, and his death was truly just as memorable as his life. He was assassinated while watching a play with his wife, Mary. Just before he was shot, Mary supposedly was concerned that a fellow patron would be displeased with how closely she and her husband were sitting, to which Lincoln said, “She won’t think anything about it.”
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore, or “Teddy,” Roosevelt was president from 1901-1909 and brought “new excitement and power to the office, vigorously leading Congress and the American people toward progressive reforms and strong foreign policy,” according to the White House.
Source: Wikipedia
At the age of 60, Roosevelt died suddenly in his sleep, most likely from a pulmonary embolus. Since Roosevelt could say nothing before his quick death, his last words the night before were, “James, will you please put out the light?”
George Washington
The first ever president of the United States, George Washington, essentially created the system of government the nation uses to this day.
Source: Wikipedia
Washington died in 1799 from complications of a throat infection, just two years after leaving the White House. His last words were both instructions and a sentiment of peace, saying, “I am just going! Have me decently buried; and do not let my body be put into the vault less than three days after I am dead. Do you understand me? Tis well!”
The Many Presidents of the United States Will Never Be Forgotten
Leading the country as president of the United States is, without a doubt, one of the most important, terrifying, and respected jobs on the planet.
Source: Britannica
The lives and deaths of these 45 men and those who will serve in the future will never be forgotten, including their final words before parting.