FORT WORTH, Texas — Bette Nash, the world’s longest-serving flight attendant, has died at 88, according to a statement from Fort Worth-based American Airlines.
ABC News reported Nash died May 17 after a breast cancer diagnosis, but never officially retired from her role with the airline.
“We mourn the passing of Bette Nash, who spent nearly seven decades warmly caring for our customers in the air,” American Airlines said in a statement. “She started in 1957 and held the Guinness World Record for the longest-serving flight attendant. Bette inspired generations of flight attendants. Fly high, Bette.”
According to the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, the union representing American Airlines flight attendants, Nash was based at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in the Washington D.C. area and her six-decade-long career started with Eastern Airlines in 1957.
“She touched many with her warmth, dedication, and service,” the Association of Professional Flight attendants said of Nash in a statement.
Nash was honored with the Guinness World Record for the longest career as a flight attendant in 2022.