A look at 15 unexpected resignations throughout history

In 1939, first lady Eleanor Roosevelt resigned from the Daughters of the American Revolution after the organization wouldn't allow Marian Anderson, an African American, to perform at its Constitution Hall.

"I am afraid that I have never been a very useful member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, so I know it will make very little difference to you whether I resign, or whether I continue to be a member of your organization," Roosevelt wrote. "However, I am in complete disagreement with the attitude taken in refusing Constitution Hall to a great artist. You have set an example which seems to me unfortunate, and I feel obliged to send in to you my resignation. You had an opportunity to lead in an enlightened way and it seems to me that your organization has failed."

Roosevelt then arranged for Anderson to perform on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, where more than 75,000 people gathered to hear her sing.