Jackson's wife died shortly before his inauguration, and Donelson was made responsible for hosting social events after Jackson became president. She moved to the White House at the age of 21 with her husband, who served as Jackson's presidential aide. Jackson chose not to attend his inaugural ball due to his wife's death, and the Donelsons attended in his stead. During their first days in the White House, the president was grief-stricken by the loss of his wife, and Donelson found herself caring for him. Donelson was bothered by the lack of privacy afforded by the White House, as visitors were able to travel freely through the building, and her bedroom was visible from the central corridor. The president ultimately had partitions installed to block off the private residence.
