Michael Reagan, the oldest son of former President Ronald Reagan and his first wife, actress Jane Wyman, died Sunday at the age of 80.
In a Tuesday statement released by Young America’s Foundation, Colleen Reagan, Cameron Reagan, and Ashley Reagan Dunster wrote, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Edward Reagan. Michael was and will always remain a beloved husband, father, and grandpa. Michael was called home to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 4th, surrounded by his entire family in Los Angeles, California. Our hearts are deeply broken as we grieve the loss of a man who meant so much to all who knew and loved him.”
The Reagan family added, “We appreciate your prayers and ask that you would respect our family’s privacy during this difficult time.”
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute also released a statement on Tuesday regarding Michael Reagan’s death. The foundation described Michael Reagan as a “steadfast guardian of his father’s legacy” and highlighted how the former president’s son “lived a life shaped by conviction, purpose, and an abiding devotion to President Reagan’s ideals.”
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“A successful author, nationally syndicated radio talk show host, and sought-after public speaker, Michael used his voice to champion freedom, personal responsibility, and the principles that defined his father’s presidency,” the foundation added. “Yet beyond his professional accomplishments, Michael was, above all, a devoted son and a deeply loyal friend to the Reagan Foundation and Institute.”
According to The Daily Caller, Michael Reagan worked as a nationally syndicated host of a conservative radio show for almost two decades and served as the president and chairman of the Reagan Legacy Foundation. In addition to these roles, Michael Reagan was known for being a conservative author, a public speaker, and a close supporter of the Reagan Library and Foundation, according to Fox News.
In a statement honoring Michael Reagan, Young America’s Foundation President and former Gov. Scott Walker (R-Wis.) wrote, “Michael Reagan was such a wonderful inspiration to so many of us. That was particularly true of the students who heard him at Young America’s Foundation’s programs at the Reagan Ranch.”
“He did so much more than share stories about his father,” Walker added. “He challenged the next generation to share the values he stood for throughout his public life. He called on them to be happy warriors in the battle to uphold the founding principles of our republic.”
