Former U.S. first lady Betty Ford, wife of late former president Gerald Ford, has died at the age of 93, according to media reports citing family and friends on Friday.

Local Californian TV station KPSP quoted officials at Gerald Ford's Presidential Library and Museum as saying Betty Ford passed away earlier Friday in Rancho Mirage from natural causes.

Betty Ford, founder of the Betty Ford Center for substance abuse and addiction, was described by ABC as one of the most visible and outspoken first ladies in history.

Nancy Reagan, the former first lady, confirmed Betty Ford's death in a statement saying she was "deeply saddened this afternoon when I heard of Betty Ford's death."

Former president George H. W. Bush also released a statement saying Betty Ford "was a wonderful wife and mother; a great friend; and a courageous first lady. No one confronted life's struggles with more fortitude or honesty, and as a result, we all learned from the challenges she faced. The Betty Ford Center, which already has helped change the lives of thousands of people, will be her lasting legacy of care and concern. We were proud to know her. We were proud to call her a friend. We will miss her very much."

Betty Ford was first lady from 1974 to 1977. Gerald Ford died in 2006.

Xinhua