Watch CBS News

Jeannie Ritter Candid About Public Life

DENVER (CBS4) - The moment Bill Ritter won the gubernatorial election, the Ritters' lives were turned upside down.

Colorado's First Lady Jeannie Ritter is candid about the impact of the last four years.

"I've said really openly we took a hit as a family," she said.

The family is incredibly photogenic, but the Ritter photographs haven't always reflected the real picture. It took many by surprise when the governor announced he would not seek reelection. Ultimately, the mother of four says their high school daughter had the most impact on Bill Ritter's decision to step down.

"She looked at him and said, 'This is not working for our family.'"

Jeannie Ritter says she, too, is ready for a change.

"I am lusting after time for myself."

As of this May the four Ritter kids will all be out of the house and in college. Mrs. Ritter admits to some trepidation about being an empty nester.

"I was home for 13 years," she said. "That was part of how I defined myself."

Jeannie Ritter says the demands of the job have hurt their marriage, and says the two must now prioritize one another.

"Even to have time together, trump time with our kids, and time with our friends."

She says the family will look back at the years in public life as both the best and the most difficult of times.

"We have a lot of stuff in place that we get to fall softly back into."

The Ritters will move out of the Governor's Mansion Jan. 11.

- Written by Suzanne McCarroll

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.