<P> Dolley Madison popularized the First Ladyship by engaging in efforts to assist orphans and women , by dressing in elegant fashions and attracting newspaper coverage , and by risking her life to save iconic treasures during the War of 1812 . Madison set the standard for the ladyship and her actions were the model for nearly every First Lady until Eleanor Roosevelt in the 1930s . She traveled widely and spoke to many groups , often voicing personal opinions to the left of the president 's . She authored a weekly newspaper column and hosted a radio show . Jacqueline Kennedy led an effort to redecorate and restore the White House . </P>
who changed the role of the first lady
Dolley Madison