Nancy Reagan, former first lady of the United States, died at the age of 94 on Sunday, March 6. Shortly after the sad news was revealed, countless tributes from fans, friends, politicians and celebrities alike were shared on social media.
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama released a touching statement on the passing of President Ronald Reagan’s widow. “Nancy Reagan once wrote that nothing could prepare you for living in the White House. She was right, of course. But we had a head start, because we were fortunate to benefit from her proud example, and her warm and generous advice. Our former First Lady redefined the role in her time here. Later, in her long goodbye with President Reagan, she became a voice on behalf of millions of families going through the depleting, aching reality of Alzheimer’s, and took on a new role, as advocate, on behalf of treatments that hold the potential and the promise to improve and save lives.”
The first couple added, “We offer our sincere condolences to their children, Patti, Ron, and Michael, and to their grandchildren. And we remain grateful for Nancy Reagan’s life, thankful for her guidance, and prayerful that she and her beloved husband are together again.”
Former U.S. president Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State (and 2016 presidential hopeful) Hillary Clinton released a statement to Us Weekly.
“Hillary and I were deeply saddened to learn of Nancy Reagan’s passing,” the couple said. “Nancy was an extraordinary woman: a gracious First Lady, proud mother and devoted wife to President Reagan — her Ronnie. Her strength of character was legendary, particularly when tested by the attempted assassination of the President, and throughout his battle with Alzheimer’s. She leaves a remarkable legacy of good that includes her tireless advocacy for Alzheimer’s research and the Foster Grandparent Program.”
The Clintons added, “We join all Americans in extending our prayers and condolences to her beloved children and her entire family during this difficult time.”
Bill and Hillary’s daughter, Chelsea Clinton, also expressed her condolences, tweeting, “My thoughts & prayers are with Nancy Reagan’s family and friends. Very sad to learn of her passing.”
Melissa Joan Hart shared a photo of Reagan with her late husband on Instagram, writing, “Farewell to one of America’s great women #NancyReagan. It was a pleasure to shake your hand and be in your presence for so many wonderful #ronaldreaganlibrary events! So proud to be a chairman of the library and try to help carry on your mission to make the world a better place! #RIP.”
Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth tweeted, “Sad day for us all, the embodiment of class and grace #nancyreagan.”
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump wrote, “Nancy Reagan, the wife of a truly great President, was an amazing woman. She will be missed!”
But it was Reagan’s stepson Michael Reagan’s series of tweets that really tugged at the heartstrings. “I am saddened by the passing of my step mother Nancy Reagan,” he wrote. “She is once again with the man she loved. God Bless.”
He added, “Nancy is where she has always wanted to be with her Ronnie … Now she is at peace.”
Nancy was a beloved figure in the political world, the film industry and beyond. She was always vocal about her love for her “Ronnie,” who she married in 1952. The former president died in 2004, a decade after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Nancy is survived by two children, Patti Davis and Ronald Prescott Reagan, and stepson Michael.
Check out more touching tributes to the former first lady below.
