MEET THE WOMEN BEHIND FATHER’S DAY

With Father’s Day just around the corner, I had the opportunity to sit down with Betsy Rodd, a direct descendant of the founder of Father’s Day. Our conversation was not only enlightening—it was deeply moving, reminding me of the roots of this beloved holiday.

Father’s Day began thanks to Sonora Smart Dodd, who launched the idea in 1910 in Spokane, Washington. Inspired by her own father, a Civil War veteran who raised six children as a single parent, Sonora wanted to honor the strength and sacrifice of fathers. Her mission began with handwritten letters, church sermons, and small community events—and grew into a national movement that eventually became an official U.S. holiday in 1972.

This year, as we gather to recognize the fathers and father figures who have shaped our lives, let’s also remember Sonora who made this day possible. And let’s thank Betsy Rodd for keeping that legacy alive.

Catch a sneak peek of her story: