Phyllis Holden is best known as the first wife of American politician Bob Dole, but her life was much more than that. She was a strong, dedicated woman with her own story to tell. This article will look at her life, from her early years to her work as an occupational therapist, and show why she is someone worth remembering.
Who Is Phyllis Holden?
Phyllis Holden, born Phyllis Theresa Davidson, was an important figure in Bob Dole’s early life. She met the future Senator while working as a nurse at the hospital where he was recovering from injuries sustained during World War II.
Phyllis and Bob fell in love and decided to get married in 1948. Their marriage lasted 24 years and produced one daughter named Robin. Although the couple ultimately divorced in 1972, Phyllis played a significant role in Bob’s personal life and political career.
Phyllis Holden Early Life & Family
Phyllis Theresa Davidson was born on September 28, 1936 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her parents were Charles and Eva Davidson. Not much is publicly known about Phyllis’ childhood, family life and background prior to meeting Bob Dole.
What we do know is that Phyllis was working as a nurse at the Percy Jones Army Hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan in 1948. It was there that she met a young Bob Dole, who was undergoing treatment and rehabilitation for serious combat injuries he sustained serving in the U.S. Army during World War II.
Phyllis and Bob quickly formed a connection and decided to wed that same year. Phyllis then became Mrs. Phyllis Holden Dole. The couple went on to have a daughter together named Robin.
Her Career In Occupational Therapy
After marrying Bob Dole and having a child, Phyllis Holden Dole went back to school to study occupational therapy. She earned her degree and began a career as an occupational therapist.
Occupational therapy is a healthcare field that helps people develop, recover and maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. As an occupational therapist, Phyllis likely worked with patients to overcome physical, mental or developmental challenges through therapeutic techniques.
Her work as an occupational therapist suggests that Phyllis was a caring, dedicated professional committed to helping others lead fuller, more independent lives. This career path also fit well with her earlier experience as a nurse.
Phyllis Holden Marriage To Bob Dole
Phyllis Holden, born Phyllis Theresa Davidson, first met Bob Dole under trying circumstances. It was the 1940s, and Dole was recovering from serious injuries he sustained serving in World War II. Holden was a nurse at the Percy Jones Army Hospital, where Dole was a patient. Romance blossomed between the wounded soldier and his caregiver. In 1948, the couple tied the knot.
The following year, they welcomed a daughter, Robin, into their lives. To outside observers, they seemed like a happy young family. Dole was attending law school and preparing to launch his political career. Holden focused on being a supportive wife and mother during these early years of their marriage.
But as Dole’s political star began to rise, cracks emerged in their relationship. The demands of public life often kept him away from home for long stretches. Holden found herself effectively acting as a single parent much of the time. The strain took its toll on their marriage.
Phyllis Holden Divorce
After 24 years of marriage, Phyllis Holden and Bob Dole divorced in 1972. It was the same year that Dole was first elected to the U.S. Senate. He would go on to serve as a Senator from Kansas for nearly 30 years.
Divorce is always painful, but it was especially uncommon in political circles at that time. The Doles’ split made national headlines. Phyllis Holden largely withdrew from public life after the divorce. She focused on her private pursuits and being a mother to their daughter, Robin.
Despite the end of their marriage, Holden and Dole managed to maintain an amicable relationship in the following years. They both attended Robin’s wedding in 1992. By all accounts, they were able to put their differences aside and be there for their daughter on her special day.
The Sad Death Of Phyllis Holden
Phyllis Holden passed away, although the exact date is unclear based on available public records. What we do know is that she outlived her ex-husband’s subsequent two marriages. Senator Dole married Elizabeth Hanford in 1975, and they remained together until his death in 2021 at age 98.
Some confusion has arisen due to the existence of another Phyllis Holden who died in December 2020 in Florida. However, that was a different person, not Bob Dole’s ex-wife. The lack of media coverage about Holden’s passing suggests that she had successfully withdrawn from the public eye in her later years.
Phyllis Holden Funeral
Details about Phyllis Holden’s funeral are not publicly known. Given her desire for privacy after her divorce from Bob Dole, it’s likely that her memorial service was a quiet, family-oriented affair. Her legacy lives on through her daughter Robin and any grandchildren or great-grandchildren she may have had.
Conclusion
Phyllis Holden is often remembered as the first wife of Bob Dole, but her life was much more than that. She worked as a nurse and later became an occupational therapist, showing her dedication to helping others. Her role in supporting Bob Dole through his recovery and early political career was important, even though their marriage faced challenges and ended in divorce.
After the divorce, Phyllis stayed out of the public eye and focused on her own life and being a mother. She is remembered for her strength, kindness, and the impact she had on those around her.
