Nancy Reagan Remembered as 'Loyal,' 'Influential'

LOS ANGELES, CA - Soon after the death of Nancy Reagan, tributes began to pour in for the former first lady and actress known for her advocacy on substance abuse and stem cell research. Mrs. Reagan, who served as first lady from 1981-1989 while her husband Ronald Reagan assumed office as the 40th President of the United States, was known as a political force and a woman of grace.

Mrs. Reagan died at her home in Bel Air of congestive heart failure Sunday. She was 94.

Tributes to Mrs. Reagan reflected her character and grace and the loyalty she exhibited both towards her husband and the country. She was remembered, among other things, as a "voice for Alzheimer's," a cause she adopted after her husband's diagnosis and death in 2004.

Statement from President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama

"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," the statement said.

"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 promise to improve and save lives.

"We offer our sincerest 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."

Statement from Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden

"Nancy Reagan defined grace, courage, and loyalty. An accomplished actress, first lady of California, and first lady of the United States, she understood public service is a noble endeavor. She was a strong voice to keep children safe from drugs, and she reached out to give comfort to fellow cancer survivors, communities touched by gun violence, and families as they cared for a loved one on the lonely walk of Alzheimer's. That's who she gave voice to in her service to our country. And together, she and our 40th president gave meaning to a poet's words:

"Come live with me and be my love/And we will all the pleasures prove."

"Nancy and Ronald Reagan proved those pleasures for more than half a century. They are now together to prove them once again. Jill and I offer our deepest condolences to Patti, Ron, Michael, and the entire Reagan family."

Statement from Speaker of the House Paul Ryan

"Ronald Reagan could not have accomplished everything that he did without his wife Nancy. As first lady, she brought a sense of grace and dignity to the White House. She roused the country to redouble the fight against drugs. And she showed us all the meaning of devotion as she cared for President Reagan throughout his long goodbye. She loved her husband, and she loved her country. This was her service. It was her way of giving back. And all of us are very grateful. So on behalf of the entire House, I wish to extend our condolences to the Reagan family and offer our prayers on the passing of a great American, Nancy Reagan."

Statement from former first lady Barbara Bush

"Nancy Reagan was totally devoted to President Reagan and we take comfort that they will be reunited once more. George and I send our prayers and condolences to her family."

Statement from former President George W. Bush

"Laura and I are saddened by the loss of former first lady Nancy Reagan. Mrs. Reagan was fiercely loyal to her beloved husband, and that devotion was matched only by her devotion to our country. Her influence on the White House was complete and lasting. During her time as first lady and since, she raised awareness about drug abuse and breast cancer. When we moved into the White House we benefited from her work to make those rooms beautiful. Laura and I are grateful for the life of Nancy Reagan, and we send our condolences to the entire Reagan family."

Statement from formed President Jimmy Carter

"Rosalynn and I are saddened by the passing of former First Lady Nancy Reagan. She will always be admired for her strength of conviction and her lifelong devotion to her husband. Her "just say no" campaign prevented many young people from falling prey to the allure of drug use; and her advocacy for stem cell research raised public awareness and influenced decision makers about vital research for Alzheimer's disease. We extend our condolences to her family at this difficult time."

Statement from California Gov. Jerry Brown

"Nancy Reagan lived a remarkable life and will be remembered for her strength and grace. On behalf of all Californians, Anne and I extend our deepest condolences to the Reagan family.”

SEE ALSO:

• Nancy Reagan, Former First Lady, Dies at 94
• First Lady Nancy Reagan's Chicago Connection

Candidates from the 2016 presidential elections also paid tribute to Mrs. Reagan.

Both Mrs. Reagan and President Reagan had careers in Hollywood, appearing together just once in the 1957 movie, "Hellcats of the Navy," Mrs. Reagan's last film. Having had a Hollywood past, the couple , who met in 1951, were naturally remembered as being stylish.

Born in New York City, Mrs. Reagan spent her childhood in Chicago after her stepfather, a prominent neurosurgeon, moved the family to the city. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio offered his condolences to the family of Mrs. Reagan.

Statements from California government leaders

• California Republican Party:

"America has lost one of the truly great First Ladies today. Nancy Reagan was a full partner of President Reagan in all his endeavors. Her elegance, love of husband and family, and devotion to our country will be remembered by all."

• Senate Republican Leader Jean Fuller:

"Today, the United States of America lost a true leader who was committed to her husband and her country. Former first lady Nancy Reagan was a beacon of support and leadership for California's former Governor and America's 40th President, Ronald Reagan. Both shared an amazing sense of duty to our nation, lead with humility and dignity during a time when our nation was in turmoil. I have profound admiration for Mrs. Reagan. We should never forget her legacy. My thoughts and prayers are with her family today."

• Mike Thompson, Congressman for California's 5th district:

"My thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of former First Lady of the United States Nancy Reagan. She devoted herself to many important causes, including the fight against drug abuse. Our country thanks her for her years of service and dedication to our nation."

Mrs. Reagan will be buried alongside the late president at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.

Photo Credit: The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum