The First Lady, known simply as Abbey, has been married to Josiah Bartlet for over thirty years. She is the only person that can get in his face and give him the reality check he often needs. With a medical degree from Harvard University, Abbey is licensed in both thoracic surgery and internal medicine. On top of that, and mothering her three grown daughters, she is also an adjunct Professor of Thoracic Surgery at Harvard Medical School and on the staffs of both Boston Mercy Hospital and Columbia Presbyterian. She is spiritual (and has been known to use the Ouija board), but not as devoutly religious as her husband.

      Abbey Bartlet is played by Stockard Channing.