Michael Reagan, the eldest son of the late United States President Ronald Reagan and actress Jane Wyman, passed away on Sunday at his residence in Los Angeles. He was 80 years old.
A Life Dedicated to Legacy and Service
Michael Reagan spent a significant part of his public life as a conservative voice, actively defending and promoting the policies of his father's administration. President Ronald Reagan's tenure is widely remembered for its pivotal role in concluding the Cold War.
Announcing his passing, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute paid a heartfelt tribute, describing him as “a steadfast guardian of his father’s legacy.” The foundation's post on X stated, “Michael Reagan lived a life shaped by conviction, purpose, and an abiding devotion to President Reagan’s ideals.”
Cause of Death and Personal Journey
According to a report from ABC News, Michael Reagan died following a battle with cancer. This information was confirmed by Andrew Coffin, vice president of the Young America's Foundation and director of the Reagan Ranch.
Born on March 18, 1945, to Irene Flaugher, Michael was adopted just hours after his birth by Ronald Reagan and his then-wife, Jane Wyman. He openly discussed his personal journey, including coming to terms with his adoption, in his autobiographical books “On the Outside Looking In” and “Twice Adopted.”
Career and Philanthropic Endeavours
Professionally, Michael Reagan was a well-known conservative commentator. He was a contributor to the Newsmax television network and hosted his own popular talk radio program, “The Michael Reagan Show,” for nearly two decades, where he discussed politics and culture.
His commitment to charitable causes was profound. He dedicated himself to fundraising for numerous organisations:
- He used powerboat racing to raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and the Statue of Liberty Restoration Fund.
- He served on the advisory board for the Mixed Roots Foundation, focusing on foster care and adoption.
- For three years, he chaired the John Douglas French Alzheimer's Foundation board, working on the same disease that claimed his father's life in 2004.
As the president and chair of the Reagan Legacy Foundation, his work was central to championing the enduring impact of his father's presidency, which aimed at reducing government size and winning the Cold War.
Family and Lasting Impact
Michael Reagan was married to his wife, Colleen, for decades, and together they had two children, Cameron and Ashley. He also authored several books, including “Lessons My Father Taught Me,” which detailed the values he learned growing up as the son of a president.
His passing marks the loss of a prominent figure in American conservative circles and a dedicated custodian of one of the most significant presidential legacies of the 20th century.
