CBSBette Nash, the world’s longest-serving flight attendant, has passed away at the age of 88 after nearly 70 years of airline service.
The news was shared by her employer, American Airlines, which mourned her death in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
“She started working in 1957 and holds the Guinness World Record for longest-serving flight attendant,” the airline said.
“Bette has inspired generations of flight attendants. Fly high, Bette.”
Ms. Nash began her career at age 21 with Eastern Airlines, the predecessor to American Airlines, working on shuttle flights between Washington DC, where she lived, and Boston. She preferred this route because it allowed her to stay home every night.
She intended to move on after a few years, but ended up staying, becoming a familiar sight to frequent flyers on the route. She never officially relinquished her position.
“Human beings are all the same” she told CBS News, the BBC’s US counterpart, in 2017. “Everyone needs a little love.”
According to other US media, she died on May 17 in a hospice after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
The Association of Professional Flight Attendants, the union representing Ms. Nash, told CBS it was saddened by her death.
“Our thoughts are with her family and friends during this difficult time. Bette will always be an integral part of our history and she will not be forgotten.”
