Leaders & Politicians · 20th Century
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Last Words
“I have a terrific pain in the back of my head.”— Franklin D. Roosevelt, April 12, 1945
Who Was Franklin D. Roosevelt?
Franklin D. Roosevelt led America through the Great Depression and most of World War II. His New Deal programs transformed American government and his Fireside Chats connected directly with citizens.
The Final Moments
FDR died at the Little White House in Warm Springs, Georgia, where he had gone to rest. He had been sitting for a portrait when he complained of a headache and lost consciousness.
Are These Words Verified?
Multiple people in the room at Warm Springs witnessed FDR's final words, including the portrait artist and staff members. These accounts were immediately documented and are highly credible.
Sources
- firsthand Elizabeth Shoumatoff (portrait artist) and staff witnesses
- biography Doris Kearns Goodwin, No Ordinary Time (1994)
- archive White House logs and contemporary accounts
Legacy
FDR is consistently ranked among the greatest American presidents for his leadership through crisis. He was the only president elected four times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Franklin D. Roosevelt’s last words?
“I have a terrific pain in the back of my head.”
How did Franklin D. Roosevelt die?
Franklin D. Roosevelt died on April 12, 1945 at the age of 63. Cause of death: Cerebral hemorrhage.
Were Franklin D. Roosevelt’s last words documented?
Multiple people in the room at Warm Springs witnessed FDR's final words, including the portrait artist and staff members. These accounts were immediately documented and are highly credible.
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