Former First Lady of Virginia, Anne Holton

Anne Bright Holton is the wife of United States Senator and former Governor of Virginia, Tim Kaine.  She served as First Lady from 2006 to 2010.  Not only was she an Executive Mansion resident as First Lady, but also as a child during her father’s term as Governor from 1970 to 1974.

Anne Holton has a very impressive educational background.  She earned her undergraduate degree from Princeton University and later earned a law degree from Harvard Law School, receiving high honors at both schools.  After graduating from law school, Anne Holton served as a law clerk, worked as an attorney, and then served as a Judge on the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court for the City of Richmond.

As First Lady of Virginia, Anne Holton continued her work with the welfare of families by introducing a program called, “For Keeps: Families for all Virginia Teens,” which concentrated on strengthening permanent families for older children involved with foster care.  Her work on this initiative led her to become even more involved in children service programs throughout the rest of her term as First Lady. 

She also focused on the artwork at the Executive Mansion, funding the installation of picture rails through the first floor in order to eliminate the wear on the walls from frequent art rotation.

Fun Fact: Following Thomas Jefferson’s daughter, Martha “Patsy” Jefferson Randolph, Anne Holton is the second daughter of a Virginia Governor to become First Lady of Virginia.

Don’t forget to check out the Virginia First Ladies Portraits at the Valentine Richmond History Museum!