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A visual history of Billy Graham’s power through twelve presidential administrations

A man for all presidents.
A man for all presidents.
Image: Reuters/Chris Keane
By
Johnny Simon
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Billy Graham, the evangelical preacher who died today (Feb. 21) at 99, held an unrivaled role for a religious figure in US public life. His interpretation of the Bible, delivered with signature intensity, earned Graham an audience of hundreds of millions around the world—including in the White House.

Since the 1950s, Graham was a frequent guest of numerous US presidents on both sides of the political spectrum. Photos of Graham’s encounters with presidents current and former, whether on a casual outing or a formal photo op, highlight the importance that US presidents have placed on religion in public life.

Harry Truman, 1950

Evangelist Billy Graham, second from right, kneels in prayer for President Truman on the White House Lawn on July 14,1950. Graham had just finished a meeting with the president.
Evangelist Billy Graham, second from right, kneels in prayer for President Truman on the White House Lawn on July 14,1950. Graham had just finished a meeting with the president.
Image: AP Photo

Dwight Eisenhower, 1957

Evangelist Billy Graham, right, talks with US president Dwight Eisenhower during a visit at the White House in Washington, D.C. on May 10, 1957.
Evangelist Billy Graham, right, talks with US president Dwight Eisenhower during a visit at the White House in Washington, D.C. on May 10, 1957.
Image: AP Photo

John F. Kennedy, 1961

Evangelist Billy Graham, left, talks with president John F. Kennedy at the White House on Dec. 12, 1961.
Evangelist Billy Graham, left, talks with president John F. Kennedy at the White House on Dec. 12, 1961.
Image: AP Photo

Lyndon B. Johnson, 1964

Evangelist Billy Graham and president Lyndon B. Johnson share a lighter moment as they leave National City Christian Church August 23, 1964 in Washington, D.C.
Evangelist Billy Graham and president Lyndon B. Johnson share a lighter moment as they leave National City Christian Church August 23, 1964 in Washington, D.C.
Image: AP Photo

Richard Nixon, 1971

President Richard Nixon and Evangelist Billy Graham wave to cheering crowds in Charlotte, North Carolina on Oct. 15, 1971.
President Richard Nixon and Evangelist Billy Graham wave to cheering crowds in Charlotte, North Carolina on Oct. 15, 1971.
Image: AP Photo

Gerald Ford, 1974

Vice President Gerald Ford, left, and evangelist Billy Graham talk before the start of their round of golf on May 29, 1974, in the Pro-Am at the Kemper Open in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Vice President Gerald Ford, left, and evangelist Billy Graham talk before the start of their round of golf on May 29, 1974, in the Pro-Am at the Kemper Open in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Image: AP Photo

Jimmy Carter, 1979

President Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Carter are applauded by the Rev. Billy Graham, left, as they arrive for the National Prayer Breakfast at a Washington hotel, Jan. 18, 1979.
President Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Carter are applauded by the Rev. Billy Graham, left, as they arrive for the National Prayer Breakfast at a Washington hotel, Jan. 18, 1979.
Image: AP Photo

Ronald Reagan, 1981

The Rev. Billy Graham, center, chats with President Ronald Reagan and first lady Nancy Reagan at the White House on July 18, 1981.
The Rev. Billy Graham, center, chats with President Ronald Reagan and first lady Nancy Reagan at the White House on July 18, 1981.
Image: AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

George H.W. Bush, 1991

President George Bush is accompanied by Evangelist Billy Graham after attending a nondenominational church service at the Fort Myers, Virginia  on Jan. 17, 1991.
President George Bush is accompanied by Evangelist Billy Graham after attending a nondenominational church service at the Fort Myers, Virginia  on Jan. 17, 1991.
Image: AP Photo/Ron Edmonds

Bill Clinton, 1995

President Bill Clinton and first lady Hillary Clinton, right along with others, bow their heads as Rev. Billy Graham, second from left, speaks during the annual National Prayer Breakfast in Washington Thursday on Feb. 2, 1995.
President Bill Clinton and first lady Hillary Clinton, right along with others, bow their heads as Rev. Billy Graham, second from left, speaks during the annual National Prayer Breakfast in Washington Thursday on Feb. 2, 1995.
Image: AP Photo/Doug Mills

George W. Bush, 2010

Former President George W. Bush, left, greets evangelist Billy Graham as Laura Bush looks on as they met for a brunch prior to a book signing at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte on Dec. 20, 2010.
Former President George W. Bush, left, greets evangelist Billy Graham as Laura Bush looks on as they met for a brunch prior to a book signing at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte on Dec. 20, 2010.
Image: (AP Photo/Nell Redmond

Barack Obama, 2010

In this image released by the White House, president Barack Obama meets with Billy Graham, 91, at his mountainside home in Montreat, North Carolina on April 25, 2010.
In this image released by the White House, president Barack Obama meets with Billy Graham, 91, at his mountainside home in Montreat, North Carolina on April 25, 2010.
Image: Pete Souza/Official White House Photo via AP

Former President Jimmy Carter issued a statement following his death.

Rosalynn and I are deeply saddened to learn of the death of The Reverend Billy Graham. Tirelessly spreading a message of fellowship and hope, he shaped the spiritual lives of tens of millions of people worldwide. Broad-minded, forgiving, and humble in his treatment of others, he exemplified the life of Jesus Christ by constantly reaching out for opportunities to serve.