Virginia Governor Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Memory of Former First Lady

Flags to be lowered on Friday in honor of Dorothy McAuliffe

Governor's order follows proclamation from President Biden

Governor Glenn Youngkin has ordered all United States and Virginia flags to be flown at half-staff on Friday, January 15, 2024, in memory of Dorothy McAuliffe, the former first lady of Virginia.

McAuliffe, who was married to former Governor Terry McAuliffe, died on January 11, 2024, at the age of 69. She had been battling cancer for several years.

In a statement, Governor Youngkin said, "Dorothy McAuliffe was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to serving others. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. I ask all Virginians to join me in honoring her memory by flying the flags at half-staff on Friday."

The order from Governor Youngkin follows a proclamation from President Biden, who ordered all flags on federal buildings and grounds to be flown at half-staff on Friday in honor of McAuliffe.

McAuliffe was born in Arlington, Virginia, in 1953. She met her husband, Terry McAuliffe, while they were both students at the College of William & Mary. The couple married in 1979 and had five children.

McAuliffe was an active supporter of her husband's political career. She served as First Lady of Virginia from 2014 to 2018, during which time she focused on issues such as education, healthcare, and economic development.

After her husband left office, McAuliffe continued to be active in public service. She served on the board of directors of several organizations, including the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation and the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation.

McAuliffe was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in 2020. She underwent treatment and continued to work until her death.

McAuliffe is survived by her husband, five children, and 12 grandchildren.

Flags will be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings, agencies, and institutions, as well as on all public grounds.