CBSBette Nash, the world’s longest-serving flight attendant, has died at the age of 88 after nearly 70 years of airborne service.
The news was announced by his employer, American Airlines, which mourned his death in a message on X, formerly Twitter.
“She started in 1957 and held 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 forerunner of American Airlines, working on its shuttle between Washington, D.C., where she lived, and Boston. She preferred this route because it allowed her to spend every night at home.
She had intended to leave after a few years, but ended up staying, becoming a familiar sight to frequent travelers on the road. She never officially retired from her position.
“People are exactly the same” she told the BBC’s US partner CBS News in 2017.. “Everyone needs a little love.”
According to other US media, she died on May 17 in a hospice after recently being diagnosed with breast cancer.
The Association of Professional Flight Attendants, the union that represented 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.”
