Ingrid Rüütel


Ingrid Rüütel is an Estonian folklorist, philologist and former First Lady of Estonia. She was married to former President of Estonia Arnold Rüütel until his death on 31 December 2024.

Personal life

Ingrid Rüütel was born in Tallinn as a daughter of communist politician Neeme Ruus and his wife, actress Linda Karin Ruus. Her father was killed by Nazi German occupation authorities in 1942.
In 1958, she married Arnold Rüütel. They have two daughters and six grandchildren.

Honours