Wikipedia

Nancy Reagan

"Nancy Davis" redirects here. For other people with the same name, seeNancy Davis (disambiguation).

Nancy Reagan(/ˈreɪɡən/;bornAnne Frances Robbins;July 6, 1921 – March 6, 2016) was an American film actress who was thefirst lady of the United Statesfrom 1981 to 1989, as the second wife of PresidentRonald Reagan,the 40th president of the United States.

Nancy Reagan
Official portrait, 1983
First Lady of the United States
In role
January 20, 1981 – January 20, 1989
PresidentRonald Reagan
Preceded byRosalynn Carter
Succeeded byBarbara Bush
First Lady of California
In role
January 2, 1967 – January 6, 1975
GovernorRonald Reagan
Preceded byBernice Brown
Succeeded byGloria Deukmejian(1983)
Personal details
Born
Anne Frances Robbins

(1921-07-06)July 6, 1921
New York City, U.S.
DiedMarch 6, 2016(2016-03-06)(aged 94)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Resting placeRonald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
Political partyRepublican
Spouse
​
​
(m.1952;died2004)​
Children
Parent
EducationSmith College(BA)
Signature
Nancy Reagan's voice
Nancy Reagan on thefederal drug policy of the United States
Recorded October 2, 1982

Reagan was born in New York City. After her parents separated, she lived inMarylandwith an aunt and uncle for six years. When her mother remarried in 1929, she moved to Chicago and later was adopted by her mother's second husband. AsNancy Davis,she was a Hollywood actress in the 1940s and 1950s, starring in films such asThe Next Voice You Hear...,Night into Morning,andDonovan's Brain.In 1952, she married Ronald Reagan, who was then president of theScreen Actors Guild.He had two children from his previous marriage toJane Wyman[1]and he and Nancy had two children together. Nancy Reagan was the first lady of California when her husband wasgovernorfrom 1967 to 1975, and she began to work with theFoster Grandparents Program.

Reagan became First Lady of the United States in January 1981, following her husband's victory in the1980 presidential election.Early in his first term, she was criticized largely due to her decisions both to replace theWhite House china,which had been paid for by private donations, and to accept free clothing from fashion designers. She championed opposition torecreational drug usewhen she founded the "Just Say No"drug awareness campaign, considered her major initiative as First Lady, although it received substantial criticism for stigmatising poor communities affected by thecrack epidemic.More discussion of her role ensued following a 1988 revelation that she had consulted anastrologerto assist in planning the president's schedule after theattempted assassination of her husband in 1981.She generally had a strong influence on her husband and played a role in a few of his personnel and diplomatic decisions.

The couple returned to their home inBel Air, Los Angeles, California,after Reagan's time in office. Nancy devoted most of her time to caring for her husband, who was diagnosed withAlzheimer's diseasein 1994, untilhis deathat the age of 93 on June 5, 2004. Reagan remained active within theReagan Libraryand in politics, particularly in support ofembryonic stem cell research,until her death fromcongestive heart failureat age 94 in 2016. Although her tenure as First Lady was somewhat poorly received, she gained high approval ratings in later life for her devotion to her husband in his final illness.

Early life and education

edit
Young Reagan with her mother, actressEdith Luckett.

Anne Frances Robbins was born on July 6, 1921, atSloane Hospital for Womenin Uptown Manhattan.[1][2][3][4][5]Davis gave her birth date as July 6, 1923, a date cited through most of her life. She was of English descent. She was the only child of Kenneth Seymour Robbins (1892–1972), a farmer[6]turned car salesman who had been born into a once-well-to-do family,[1][7][8]and his actress wife,Edith Prescott Luckett(1888–1987).[9][10][11][12][13]Her godmother was silent-film-starAlla Nazimova.[14]From birth, she was commonly called Nancy.[15]

Robbins lived her first two years inFlushing, Queens,a neighborhood of New York City, in a two-story house onRoosevelt Avenuebetween 149th and 150th Streets.[16]Her parents separated soon after her birth and were divorced in 1928.[1][13][17]After their separation, her mother traveled the country to pursue acting jobs and Robbins was raised inBethesda, Maryland,for six years by her aunt, Virginia Luckett, and uncle, Audley Gailbraith, where she attendedSidwell Friends Schoolfor kindergarten through second grade.[1][17]Nancy later described longing for her mother during those years: "My favorite times were when Mother had a job in New York, and Aunt Virgie would take me by train to stay with her."[18]

In 1929, her mother married Loyal Edward Davis (1896–1982), a prominentconservativeneurosurgeonwho moved the family to Chicago.[1][2]Nancy and her stepfather got along very well;[19]she later wrote that he was "a man of great integrity who exemplified old-fashioned values".[20]He formally adopted her in 1938,[2]and she would always refer to him as her father.[19]At the time of the adoption, her name was legally changed to Nancy Davis.[15]She attended theGirls' Latin School of Chicago(describing herself as an average student), from 1929, until she graduated in 1939, and later attendedSmith CollegeinMassachusetts,where she majored in English and drama, graduating in 1943.[13][21]

Acting career

edit
Davis,c.1949–50

In 1940, a young Davis had appeared as aNational Foundation for Infantile Paralysisvolunteer in a memorable short subject film shown in movie theaters to raise donations for the crusade againstpolio.The Cripplerfeatured a sinister figure spreading over playgrounds and farms, laughing over its victims, until finally dispelled by the volunteer. It was very effective in raising contributions.[22]

Following her graduation from college, Davis held jobs in Chicago as a sales clerk inMarshall Field'sdepartment store and as a nurse's aide.[13]With the help of her mother's colleagues in theatre, includingZaSu Pitts,Walter Huston,andSpencer Tracy,[19]she pursued a professional career as an actress. She first gained a part in Pitts' 1945 road tour ofRamshackle Inn,[2][13]moving to New York City. She landed the role of Si-Tchun, alady-in-waiting,[23]in the 1946 Broadway musical about the Orient,Lute Song,starringMary Martinand a pre-fameYul Brynner.[13]The show's producer told her, "You look like you could be Chinese."[24]

After passing ascreen test,[13]she moved to California and signed a seven-year contract withMetro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.(MGM) in 1949;[2]she later remarked, "Joining Metro was like walking into a dream world."[25]Her combination of attractive appearance—centered on her large eyes—and somewhat distant and understated manner made her hard at first for MGM to cast and publicize.[26]Davis appeared in eleven feature films, usuallytypecastas a "loyal housewife",[27]"responsible young mother", or "the steady woman".[28]Jane Powell,Debbie Reynolds,Leslie Caron,andJanet Leighwere among the actresses with whom she competed for roles at MGM.[26]

Davis in 1950

Davis' film career began with small supporting roles in two films that were released in 1949,The Doctor and the GirlwithGlenn FordandEast Side, West SidestarringBarbara Stanwyck.[29]She played achild psychiatristin thefilm noirShadow on the Wall(1950) withAnn SothernandZachary Scott;her performance was called "beautiful and convincing" byNew York Timescritic A. H. Weiler.[30]She co-starred in 1950'sThe Next Voice You Hear...,playing a pregnant housewife who hears the voice of God from her radio. Influential reviewerBosley CrowtherofThe New York Timeswrote that "Nancy Davis [is] delightful as [a] gentle, plain, and understanding wife."[31]In 1951, Davis appeared inNight into Morning,her favorite screen role,[32]a study of bereavement starringRay Milland.Crowther said that Davis "does nicely as the fiancée who is widowed herself and knows the loneliness of grief",[33]while another noted critic,The Washington Post'sRichard L. Coe,said Davis "is splendid as the understanding widow".[34]MGM released Davis from her contract in 1952;[35]she sought a broader range of parts,[36]but also married Reagan, keeping her professional name as Davis, and had her first child that year.[35]She soon starred in the science fiction filmDonovan's Brain(1953); Crowther said that Davis, playing the role of a possessed scientist's "sadly baffled wife", "walked through it all in stark confusion" in an "utterly silly" film.[37]In her next-to-last movie,Hellcats of the Navy(1957), she played nurse Lieutenant Helen Blair, and appeared in a film for the only time with her husband, playing what one critic called "a housewife who came along for the ride".[38]Another reviewer, however, stated that Davis plays her part satisfactorily, and "does well with what she has to work with".[39]

Nancy and Ronald Reagan aboard a boat, 1964

AuthorGarry Willshas said that Davis was generally underrated as an actress because her constrained part inHellcatswas her most widely seen performance.[28]In addition, Davis downplayed her Hollywood goals: promotional material from MGM in 1949 said that her "greatest ambition" was to have a "successful happy marriage"; decades later, in 1975, she would say, "I was never really a career woman but [became one] only because I hadn't found the man I wanted to marry. I couldn't sit around and do nothing, so I became an actress."[28]Ronald Reagan biographerLou Cannonnevertheless characterized her as a "reliable" and "solid" performer who held her own in performances with better-known actors.[28]After her final film,Crash Landing(1958), Davis appeared for a brief time as a guest star in television dramas, such as theZane Grey Theatreepisode "The Long Shadow" (1961), where she played opposite Ronald Reagan, as well asWagon TrainandThe Tall Man,until she retired as an actress in 1962.[29]

During her career, Davis served for nearly ten years on the board of directors of theScreen Actors Guild.[40]Decades later,Albert Brooksattempted to coax her out of acting retirement by offering her the title role opposite himself in his 1996 filmMother.[41]She declined in order to care for her husband, and Debbie Reynolds played the part.[41]

Marriage and family

edit
Newlyweds Ronald and Nancy Reagan, March 4, 1952

During her Hollywood career, Davis dated many actors, includingClark Gable,Robert Stack,andPeter Lawford;[35]she later called Gable the nicest of the stars she had met.[19]On November 15, 1949, she met Ronald Reagan,[42]who was then president of the Screen Actors Guild. She had noticed that her name had appeared on theHollywood blacklist.Davis sought Reagan's help to maintain her employment as a guild actress in Hollywood and for assistance in having her name removed from the list.[19]Ronald Reagan informed her that she had been confused with another actress of the same name.[19]The two began dating and their relationship was the subject of many gossip columns; one Hollywood press account described their nightclub-free times together as "the romance of a couple who have no vices".[42]Ronald Reagan was skeptical about marriage, however, following his painful 1949 divorce fromJane Wyman,and he still saw other women.[42]

After three years of dating, they eventually decided to marry while discussing the issue in the couple's favorite booth atChasen's,a restaurant inBeverly Hills.[42]The couple wed on March 4, 1952, at the Little Brown Church in theSan Fernando Valleyof Los Angeles, in a simple, hastily arranged ceremony designed to avoid the press; the marriage was her first and his second.[43]The only people in attendance were fellow actorWilliam Holden(the best man) and his wife, actressBrenda Marshall(the matron of honor).[42][44]Nancy was likely already pregnant; the couple's first child, Patricia Ann Reagan (later better known by her professional name,Patti Davis), was born less than eight months later on October 21, 1952. Their son, Ronald Prescott Reagan (later better known asRon Reagan) was born six years later on May 20, 1958. Reagan also became stepmother toMaureen Reagan(1941–2001) andMichael Reagan(b. 1945), her husband's children from his marriage to Jane Wyman.

Matron of honorBrenda Marshalland best manWilliam Holden,sole guests at the Reagans' wedding, flank the newlywed couple

Observers described Nancy and Ronald's relationship as intimate.[45]As president and first lady, the Reagans were reported to display their affection frequently, with one press secretary noting, "They never took each other for granted. They never stopped courting."[46][47]Ronald often called Nancy "Mommy"; she called him "Ronnie".[47]While the president was recuperating in the hospital after the 1981 assassination attempt, Nancy wrote in her diary, "Nothing can happen to my Ronnie. My life would be over."[48]In a letter to Nancy, Ronald wrote, "whatever I treasure and enjoy... all would be without meaning if I didn't have you."[49]In 1998, a few years after her husband had been given a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, Nancy toldVanity Fair,"Our relationship is very special. We were very much in love and still are. When I say my life began with Ronnie, well, it's true. It did. I can't imagine life without him."[46]Nancy was known for the focused and attentive look, termed "the Gaze", that she fastened upon her husband during his speeches and appearances.[50]

President Reagan's death in June 2004 ended whatCharlton Hestoncalled "the greatest love affair in the history of the American Presidency".[46]

The Reagan family,c. 1967

Nancy's relationship with her children was not always as close as the bond with her husband. She frequently quarreled with her children and her stepchildren. Her relationship with Patti was the most contentious; Patti floutedAmerican conservatism,rebelled against her parents by joining thenuclear freezemovement, and authored many anti-Reagan books.[51]The nearly 20 years of family feuding left Patti very much estranged from both her mother and father.[52]Soon after her father's Alzheimer's disease was diagnosed, Patti and her mother reconciled and began to speak on a daily basis.[53]Nancy's disagreements with Michael were also public matters; in 1984, she was quoted as saying that the two were in an "estrangement right now". Michael responded that Nancy was trying to cover up for the fact she had not met his daughter, Ashley, who had been born nearly a year earlier.[54]They too eventually made peace. Nancy was thought to be closest to her stepdaughter Maureen during the White House years, but each of the Reagan children experienced periods of estrangement from their parents.[46]

First Lady of California (1967–1975)

edit
Reagan as the first lady of California

Nancy Reagan was First Lady of California during her husband's two terms as governor. She disliked living in the state capital ofSacramento,which lacked the excitement, social life, and mild climate to which she was accustomed in Los Angeles.[55]She first attracted controversy early in 1967; after four months' residence in theCalifornia Governor's Mansionin Sacramento, she moved her family into a wealthy suburb because fire officials had labelled the mansion as a "firetrap".[56]Though the Reagans had leased the new house at their expense,[55]the move was viewed as snobbish when the matter was brought to the attention of the general public. Reagan defended her actions as being for the good of her family, a judgment with which her husband readily agreed.[55][56]Friends of the family later helped support the cost of the leased house, while Reagan supervised construction of a newranch-stylegovernor's residence in nearbyCarmichael.[57]The new residence was finished just as Ronald Reagan left office in 1975, but his successor,Jerry Brown,refused to live there. It was sold in 1982, and California governors lived in improvised arrangements until Brown moved into the Governor's Mansion in 2015.[57][58]

In 1967, Governor Reagan appointed his wife to theCalifornia Arts Commission,[59]and a year later she was namedLos Angeles TimesWoman of the Year;in its profile, theTimeslabeled her "A Model First Lady".[60]Her glamour, style, and youthfulness, made her a frequent subject forpress photographers.[61]As first lady, Reagan visited veterans, the elderly, and the disabled, and worked with a number of charities. She became involved with theFoster Grandparents Program,[62]helping to popularize it in the United States and Australia.[63]She later expanded her work with the organization after arriving in Washington,[62]and wrote about her experiences in her 1982 bookTo Love a Child.[64]The Reagans held dinners for formerPOWsandVietnam Warveterans while governor and first lady.[65]

Role in 1976 and 1980 presidential campaigns

edit
Main articles:1976 United States presidential electionand1980 United States presidential election

Governor Reagan's gubernatorial time in office ended in 1975, and he did not run for a third term; instead, he met with advisors to discuss a possible bid for the1976presidency, challenging incumbent presidentGerald Ford.Ronald still needed to convince a reluctant Nancy before running, however.[66]She feared for her husband's health and his career as a whole, though she felt that he was the right man for the job and eventually approved.[67]Nancy took on a traditional role in the campaign, holding coffees, luncheons, and talks.[67]She also oversaw personnel, monitored her husband's schedule, and occasionally provided press conferences.[68]The 1976 campaign included the so-called "battle of the queens", contrasting Nancy with First LadyBetty Ford.They both spoke out over the course of the campaign on similar issues, but with different approaches.[69]Nancy was upset by the warmonger image that the Ford campaign had drawn of her husband.[67]

Though he lost the 1976 Republican nomination, Ronald Reagan ran for the presidency a second time in1980.He succeeded in winning the nomination and defeated incumbent rivalJimmy Carterin a landslide. During this second campaign, Nancy played a prominent role, and her management of staff became more apparent.[68]She organized a meeting among feuding campaign managersJohn SearsandMichael Deaverand her husband, which resulted in Deaver leaving the campaign and Sears being given full control. After the Reagan camp lost theIowa Caucusand fell behind inNew Hampshirepolls, Nancy organized a second meeting and decided it was time to fire Sears and his associates; she gave Sears a copy of the press release announcing his dismissal.[68]Her influence on her husband became particularly notable; her presence at rallies, luncheons, and receptions increased his confidence.[70]

First Lady of the United States (1981–1989)

edit

White House glamour

edit

Renovation

edit
The new president and his wife wave to the crowd during the Inaugural Parade, January 20, 1981, the same day that 52 Americans heldhostageby Iran for 444 days were set free

Reagan became the first lady of the United States when Ronald Reagan wasinaugurated as president in January 1981.Early in her husband's presidency, Reagan stated her desire to create a more suitable "first home" in theWhite House,as the building had fallen into a state of disrepair following years of neglect.[71]White House aideMichael Deaverdescribed the second and third-floor family residence as having "cracked plaster walls, chipped paint [and] beaten up floors";[72]Rather than use government funds to renovate and redecorate, she sought private donations.[13]In 1981, Reagan directed a major renovation of several White House rooms, including all of the second and third floors[73]and rooms adjacent to the Oval Office, including thepress briefing room.[74]The renovation included repainting walls, refinishing floors, repairing fireplaces, and replacing antique pipes, windows, and wires.[72]The closet in the master bedroom was converted into a beauty parlor and dressing room, and the West bedroom was made into a small gymnasium.[75][76]

The first lady secured the assistance of renowned interior designer Ted Graber, popular with affluent West Coast social figures, to redecorate the family living quarters.[77]A Chinese-pattern, handpainted wallpaper was added to the master bedroom.[78]Family furniture was placed in the president's private study.[77]The first lady and her designer retrieved several White House antiques, which had been in storage, and placed them throughout the mansion.[77]In addition, many of Reagan's collectibles were put out for display, including around twenty-fiveLimoges Boxes,as well as some porcelain eggs and a collection of plates.[79]

The extensive redecoration was paid for by private donations.[13][77]Many significant and long-lasting changes occurred as a result of the renovation and refurbishment, of which Reagan said, "This house belongs to all Americans, and I want it to be something of which they can be proud."[77]The renovations received some criticisms for being funded by tax-deductible donations, meaning some of it eventually did indirectly come from the tax-paying public.[80]

Fashion

edit

Reagan's interest in fashion was another one of her trademarks. While her husband was stillpresident-elect,press reports speculated about Reagan's social life and interest in fashion.[81][82][83]In many press accounts, Reagan's sense of style was favorably compared to that of a previous first lady,Jacqueline Kennedy.[84]Friends and those close to her remarked that, while fashionable like Kennedy, she would be different from other first ladies; close friend Harriet Deutsch was quoted as saying, "Nancy has her own imprint."[82]

White House photographerMary Anne Fackelman-Miner,who was assigned to Reagan, said of her, "She always photographed so easily and was at ease in front of the cameras."[85]

Reagan's wardrobe consisted of dresses, gowns, and suits made by luxury designers, includingJames Galanos,Bill Blass,andOscar de la Renta.Her white, hand-beaded, one shoulder Galanos 1981 inaugural gown was estimated to cost $10,000,[86]while the overall price of her inaugural wardrobe was said to cost $25,000.[87]She favored the color red, calling it "a picker-upper", and wore it accordingly.[86]Her wardrobe included red so often that the fire-engine shade became known as "Reagan red".[88]She employed two private hairdressers, who would style her hair on a regular basis in the White House.[89]

Reagan models forVoguein theRed Room,1981

Fashion designers were pleased with the emphasis Reagan placed on clothing.[87]Adolfosaid the first lady embodied an "elegant, affluent, well-bred, chic American look",[87]while Bill Blass commented, "I don't think there's been anyone in the White House since Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis who has her flair."[87]William Fine, president of cosmetic company Frances Denney, noted that she "stays in style, but she doesn't become trendy."[87]

Though her elegant fashions and wardrobe were hailed as a "glamorous paragon of chic",[87]they were also controversial subjects. In 1982, she revealed that she had accepted thousands of dollars in clothing, jewelry, and other gifts, but defended her actions by stating that she had borrowed the clothes and that they would either be returned or donated to museums,[86][90]and that she was promoting the American fashion industry.[91]Facing criticism, she soon said she would no longer accept such loans.[91]While often buying her clothes, she continued to borrow and sometimes keep designer clothes throughout her time as first lady, which came to light in 1988.[92]None of this had been included on financial disclosure forms;[92]the non-reporting of loans under $10,000 in liability was in violation of a voluntary agreement the White House had made in 1982, while not reporting more valuable loans or clothes not returned was a possible violation of theEthics in Government Act.[92][93][94]Reagan expressed through her press secretary "regrets that she failed to heed counsel's advice" on disclosing them.[94]

Despite the controversy, many designers who allowed her to borrow clothing, noted that the arrangement was good for their businesses,[92]as well as for the American fashion industry overall.[95]In 1989, Reagan was honored at the annual gala awards dinner of theCouncil of Fashion Designers of America,during which she received the council's lifetime achievement award.[96]Barbara Walterssaid of her, "She has served every day for eight long years the word 'style.'"[96]

Extravagance

edit

Approximately a year into her husband's first term, Nancy explored the idea of ordering newstate china servicefor the White House.[97]A full china service had not been purchased since theTruman administrationin the 1940s, as only a partial service was ordered in theJohnsonadministration.[97]She was quoted as saying, "The White House really badly, badly needs china."[97]Working withLenox,the primary porcelain manufacturer in America, the first lady chose a design scheme of a red with etched gold band, bordering the scarlet and cream colored ivory plates with a raised presidential seal etched in gold in the center.[97]The full service comprised 4,370 pieces, with 19 pieces per individual set.[97]The service totaled $209,508.[98]Although it was paid for by private donations, some from the privateJ. P. Knapp Foundation,the purchase generated quite a controversy, for it was ordered at a time when the nation was undergoing aneconomic recession.[99]Furthermore, news of the china purchase emerged at the same time that her husband's administration had proposed school lunch regulations that would allowketchup to be counted as a vegetable.[100]

President Reagan, First Lady Nancy Reagan and former first ladyJacqueline Kennedy Onassisat a fundraiser for theKennedy Presidential Library,1985

The new china set, White House renovations, expensive clothing, and her attendance at thewedding of Charles and Diana, Prince and Princess of Wales,[101]gave her an aura of being "out of touch" with the American people during the recession.[13]This built upon the reputation she had coming to Washington, wherein many people concluded that Reagan was a vain and shallow woman,[100]and her taste for splendor inspired the derogatory nickname "Queen Nancy".[13]While Jacqueline Kennedy had also faced some press criticism for her spending habits, Reagan's treatment was much more consistent and negative.[84]In an attempt to deflect the criticism, she self-deprecatingly donned abagladycostume at the1982 Gridiron Dinnerand sang "Second-Hand Clothes", mimicking the song "Second-Hand Rose".[102]The skit helped to restore her reputation.[103]

Reagan reflected on the criticisms in her 1989 autobiography,My Turn.She described lunching with formerDemocratic National CommitteechairmanRobert S. Strauss,wherein Strauss said to her, "When you first came to town, Nancy, I didn't like you at all. But after I got to know you, I changed my mind and said, 'She's some broad!'" Reagan responded, "Bob, based on the press reports I read then, I wouldn't have liked me either!"[104]

Vice PresidentGeorge H. W. Bush,Reagan, andRaisa Gorbacheva(spouse ofMikhail Gorbachev) in Washington, D.C., 1987

After the presidency ofJimmy Carter(who dramatically reduced the formality of presidential functions), Reagan brought aKennedy-esque glamour back into the White House.[86][105]She hosted 56state dinnersover eight years.[106]She remarked that hosting the dinners is "the easiest thing in the world. You don't have to do anything. Just have a good time and do a little business. And that's the way Washington works."[106]The White House residence staff found Reagan demanding to work for during the preparation for the state dinners, with the first lady overseeing every aspect of meal presentations, and sometimes requesting one dessert after another be prepared, before finally settling on one she approved of.[107]

In general, the First Lady's desire for everything to appear just right in the White House led the residence staff to consider her not easy to work for, with tirades following what she perceived as mistakes.[108]One staffer later recalled, "I remember hearing her call for her personal maid one day and it scared the dickens out of me—just her tone. I never wanted to be on the wrong side of her."[109]She did show loyalty and respect to a number of the staff.[110]In particular, she came to the public defense of a maid who was indicted on charges of helping to smuggle ammunition to Paraguay, providing an affidavit to the maid's good character (even though it was politically inopportune to do so at the time of theIran–Contra affair); charges were subsequently dropped, and the maid returned to work at the White House.[111][112]

In 1987,Mikhail Gorbachevbecame the first Soviet leader to visit Washington, D.C., sinceNikita Khrushchevmade the trip in 1959 at the height of theCold War.Nancy was in charge of planning and hosting the important and highly anticipated state dinner, with the goal to impress both the Soviet leader and especially his wifeRaisa Gorbacheva.[113][114]After the meal, she recruited pianistVan Cliburnto play a rendition of "Moscow Nights"for the Soviet delegation, to which Mikhail and Raisa broke out into song.[115]Secretary of StateGeorge P. Shultzlater commented on the evening, saying "We felt the ice of the Cold War crumbling."[116]Reagan concluded, "It was a perfect ending for one of the great evenings of my husband's presidency."[117]

Just Say No

edit
Main article:Just Say No

With the help of her Chief of StaffJames Rosebush,the first lady launched the "Just Say No" drug awareness campaign in 1982, which was her primary project and major initiative as first lady.[13]Reagan first became aware of the need to educate young people about drugs during a 1980 campaign stop inDaytopvillage, New York.[118]She remarked in 1981 that "Understanding what drugs can do to your children, understanding peer pressure and understanding why they turn to drugs is... the first step in solving the problem."[118]Her campaign focused on drug education and informing the youth of the danger of drug abuse.[118]

Reagan gives a speech at a "Just Say No"to drugs rally in Los Angeles, 1987

In 1982, Reagan was asked by a schoolgirl what to do when offereddrugs;Reagan responded: "Just say no."[119][120]The phrase proliferated in the popular culture of the 1980s, and was eventually adopted as the name of club organizations and school anti-drug programs.[13]Reagan became actively involved by traveling more than 250,000 miles (400,000 km) throughout the United States and several nations, visiting drug abuse prevention programs anddrug rehabilitationcenters. She also appeared on television talk shows, recorded public service announcements, and wrote guest articles.[13]She appeared in an episode of the sitcomDiff'rent Strokesto underscore support for the "Just Say No" campaign, and in a rock music video, "Stop the Madness"(1985).[121]

In 1985, Reagan expanded the campaign to an international level by inviting theFirst Ladiesof various nations to the White House for a conference on drug abuse.[13]On October 27, 1986, President Reagan signed a drug enforcement bill into law, which granted $1.7 billion in funding to fight the perceived crisis and ensured amandatory minimum penaltyfordrug offenses.[122]Although the bill was criticized, Reagan considered it a personal victory.[13]In 1988, she became the first active first lady invited to address theUnited Nations General Assembly,where she spoke on international drug interdiction and trafficking laws.[13]

Reagan hosting the first White House Ladies Conference on Drug Abuse, 1985

Critics of Reagan's efforts questioned their purpose,[123]labelled Reagan's approach to promoting drug awareness as simplistic,[71]and argued that the program did not give adequate attention to various social issues associated with increased rates of drug use, including unemployment, poverty, and family dissolution.[123]

Her husband's protector

edit

Reagan assumed the role of unofficial "protector" for her husband after theattempted assassination of himin 1981.[124]On March 30 of that year, President Reagan and three others were shot by the attempted assassin 25-year oldJohn Hinckley, Jras they left theWashington Hiltonhotel. Nancy was alerted and arrived atGeorge Washington University Hospital,where the President was hospitalized. She recalled having seen "emergency rooms before, but I had never seen one like this – with my husband in it."[125]She was escorted into a waiting room, and when granted access to see her husband, he quipped to her, "Honey, I forgot to duck", borrowing the defeated boxerJack Dempsey's jest to his wife.[126]

An early example of the first lady's protective nature occurred when SenatorStrom Thurmondentered the president's hospital room that day in March, passing theSecret Servicedetail by claiming he was the President's "close friend", presumably to acquire media attention.[127]Nancy was outraged and demanded that he leave.[48]While the President recuperated in the hospital, the first lady slept with one of his shirts to be comforted by the scent.[48]When Ronald Reagan was released from the hospital on April 12, she escorted him back to the White House.

Press accountsframedReagan as her husband's "chief protector", an extension of their general initial framing of her as a helpmate and a Cold War domestic ideal.[128]As it happened, the day after her husband was shot, she fell off a chair while trying to take down a picture to bring to him in the hospital; she suffered several broken ribs, but was determined to not reveal it publicly.[129]

Astrological consultations

edit
"The Gaze": Reagan watches as her husband is sworn in for a second term by Chief JusticeWarren Burger,on January 20, 1985.

During the Reagan administration, Nancy Reagan consulted a San Franciscoastrologer,Joan Quigley,who provided advice on which days and times would be optimal for the president's safety and success.[13][130]Quigley began her work at the White House after the assassination attempt on President Reagan in 1981. Nancy Reagan was told by Merv Griffin that Quigley had predicted that day would be dangerous for President Reagan, causing her to become a regular astrological consultant for the administration.[131]Quigley previously worked on the Reagan campaign prior to serving as their astrological consultant. She volunteered for their campaign in 1980, as she was impressed by his astrological chart. Private lines were set up in the White House and Camp David to assist in phone calls between Nancy Reagan and Joan Quigley, which occurred multiple times a day, and she was paid $3,000 a month for her work.[132]

White House chief of staffDonald Regangrew frustrated with this regimen, which created friction between him and the first lady. This friction escalated with the revelation of theIran–Contra affair,an administration scandal, in which the first lady felt Regan was damaging the president.[clarification needed][133]She thought he should resign, and expressed this to her husband, although he did not share her view. Regan wanted President Reagan to address the Iran-Contra matter in early 1987 by means of a press conference, though the first lady refused to allow her husband to overexert himself due to a recent prostate surgery and astrological warnings.[134]She became so angry with Regan that he hung up on her during a 1987 telephone conversation. According to the recollections ofABC NewscorrespondentSam Donaldson,when the President heard of this treatment, he demanded—and eventually received—Regan's resignation.[135]Vice PresidentGeorge H. W. Bushis also reported to have suggested to her to have Regan fired.[136]

In his 1988 memoir,For the Record: From Wall Street to Washington,Regan wrote the following about Nancy Reagan's consultations with an astrologer:

Virtually every major move and decision the Reagans made during my time as White House Chief of Staff was cleared in advance with a woman in San Francisco [Quigley] who drew up horoscopes to make certain that the planets were in a favorable alignment for the enterprise.[137][138]

Donald Regan's memoir went on to cause political discourse, as well as scrutiny of the astrological community, as he exposed the "most closely guarded secret" of the Reagan administration. Although he did not know Quigley's name at the time, he wrote extensively on her role in the White House.[132]Regan further claimed that Quigley selected the date of the 1985 Geneva Summit. For her part, Quigley stated in 1998 that she had "'absolutely nothing'" to do with arranging the summit and added that others were "'overemphasizing'" her role;[138]however, in 1990, she released a book in which she asserted that she was "in charge" of the President's scheduling during the Reagan administration.[130]

Reagan acknowledged in her memoirs that she altered the President's schedule without his knowledge based on astrological advice, but argues that "no political decision was ever based [on astrology]".[139]She added, "Astrology was simply one of the ways I coped with the fear I felt after my husband almost died... Was astrology one of the reasons [further attempts did not occur]? I don'treallybelieve it was, but I don'treallybelieve it wasn't. "[140]

Nancy and Ronald Reagan together in the Oval Office, 1985

Influence in the White House

edit

Nancy Reagan wielded a powerful influence over President Reagan.[141] In her memoirs, Reagan stated, "I felt panicky every time [Ronald Reagan] left the White House".[142]Following the assassination attempt, she strictly controlled access to the president;[13][141]occasionally, she even attempted to influence her husband's decision making.[143]

Beginning in 1985, she strongly encouraged her husband to hold "summit" conferences with Soviet general secretaryMikhail Gorbachev,and suggested they form a personal relationship beforehand.[13]Both Ronald Reagan and Gorbachev had developed a productive relationship through their summit negotiations. The relationship between Nancy Reagan andRaisa Gorbachevawas anything but the friendly, diplomatic one between their husbands; Reagan found Gorbacheva hard to converse with and their relationship was described as "frosty".[144]The two women usually had tea and discussed differences between the USSR and the United States. Visiting the United States for the first time in 1987, Gorbacheva irked Reagan with lectures on subjects ranging from architecture to socialism, reportedly prompting the American president's wife to quip, "Who does that dame think she is?"[145]

Press framing of Reagan changed from that of just helpmate and protector to someone with hidden power.[146]As the image of her as a political interloper grew, she sought to explicitly deny that she was thepower behind the throne.[146]At the end of her time as First Lady, however, she said that her husband had not been well-served by his staff.[146][147]She acknowledged her role in reaction in influencing him on personnel decisions, saying "In no way do I apologize for it."[147]She wrote in her memoirs, "I don't think I was as bad, or as extreme in my power or my weakness, as I was depicted,"[148]but went on, "However the first lady fits in, she has a unique and important role to play in looking after her husband. And it's only natural that she'll let him know what she thinks. I always did that for Ronnie, and I always will."[149]Her chief of staffJames Rosebush's 1988 bookFirst Lady, Public Wifeexplored the role of the First Lady as a demanding and rigorous job.

Breast cancer

edit

In October 1987, amammogramdetected a lesion in Reagan's left breast and she was subsequently diagnosed with breast cancer. She chose to undergo amastectomyrather than alumpectomy,[150]and the breast was removed on October 17, 1987. Ten days after the operation, her 99-year-old mother,Edith Luckett Davis,died inPhoenix, Arizona,leading Reagan to dub the period "a terrible month".[151]

After the surgery, more women across the country had mammograms, which exemplified the influence that the first lady possessed.[152]

Later life

edit

Though Reagan was a controversial first lady, 56 percent of Americans had a favorable opinion of her when her husband left office on January 20, 1989, with 18 percent having an unfavorable opinion, and the balance not giving an opinion.[153]Compared to fellow first ladies when their husbands left office, Reagan's approval was higher than those ofRosalynn Carter,Hillary ClintonandMelania Trump.However, she was less popular thanBarbara BushandMichelle Obama,and her disapproval rating was double that of Carter's.[153]

Reagan's official White House portrait in theVermeil Room

Upon leaving the White House, the couple returned to California, where wealthy friends purchased them a home at668 St. Cloud Roadin the wealthyEast Gate Old Bel Airneighborhood ofBel Air, Los Angeles,[154][155]dividing their time between Bel Air and theReagan RanchinSanta Barbara,California. Ronald and Nancy regularly attended theBel Air Churchas well.[156]After leaving Washington, Reagan made numerous public appearances, many on behalf of her husband. She continued to reside at the Bel Air home, where she lived with her husband until he died on June 5, 2004.[157]

Early post–White House activities

edit

In late 1989, the former first lady established the Nancy Reagan Foundation, which aimed to continue to educate people about the dangers of substance abuse.[158]The Foundation teamed with the BEST Foundation For A Drug-Free Tomorrow in 1994, and developed the Nancy Reagan Afterschool Program. She continued to travel around the United States, speaking out against drug and alcohol abuse.

Ronnie's long journey has finally taken him to a distant place where I can no longer reach him.

— Nancy Reagan (May 2004)[141]

Her memoirs,My Turn: The Memoirs of Nancy Reagan(1989), are an account of her life in the White House, commenting openly about her influence within the Reagan administration, and discussing the myths and controversies that surrounded the couple.[159]In 1991, the authorKitty Kelleywrote an unauthorized and largely uncited biography about Reagan, repeating accounts of a poor relationship with her children, and introducing rumors of alleged sexual relations with singerFrank Sinatra.A wide range of sources commented that Kelley's largely unsupported claims are most likely false.[160][161][162][163]

In 1989, theIRS(Internal Revenue Service) began investigating the Reagans over allegations they owed additional tax on the gifts and loans of high-fashion clothes and jewellery to the first lady during their time in the White House[164](recipients benefiting from the display of such items recognize taxable income even if they are returned).[164]In 1992, the IRS determined the Reagans had failed to include some $3 million worth of fashion items between 1983 and 1988 on their tax returns;[165]they were billed for a large amount of back taxes and interest, which was subsequently paid.[165]

After President Reagan revealed that he had been diagnosed withAlzheimer's diseasein 1994, she made herself his primary caregiver, and became actively involved with the National Alzheimer's Association and its affiliate, theRonald and Nancy Reagan Research Institutein Chicago, Illinois.[13]

In April 1997, Nancy Reagan joined PresidentBill Clintonand former Presidents Ford and Bush in signing the Summit Declaration of Commitment in advocating for participation by private citizens in solving domestic issues within the United States.[166]

Nancy Reagan was awarded thePresidential Medal of Freedom,the nation's highest civilian honor, by PresidentGeorge W. Bushon July 9, 2002.[167]President Reagan received his own Presidential Medal of Freedom in January 1993. Reagan and her husband were jointly awarded theCongressional Gold Medalon May 16, 2002, at theUnited States Capitolbuilding, and were only the third president and first lady to receive it; she accepted the medal on behalf of both of them.[168]

Funeral for President Reagan

edit
Further information:Death and state funeral of Ronald Reagan
Reagan says her last goodbye to President Ronald Reagan following aweek-long state funeral,2004

Ronald Reagan died in their Bel Air home on June 5, 2004.[157]During the seven-daystate funeral,Nancy, accompanied by her children and military escort, led the nation in mourning.[169]She kept a strong composure,[170]traveling from her home to theReagan Libraryfor a memorial service, then to Washington, D.C., where her husband's bodylay in statefor 34 hours prior to a national funeral service in theWashington National Cathedral.[171]She returned to the library inSimi Valleyfor a sunset memorial service and interment, where, overcome with emotion, she lost her composure and cried in public for the first time during the week.[170][172]After receiving the folded flag, she kissed the casket and mouthed "I love you" before leaving.[173]During the week,CNNjournalistWolf Blitzersaid, "She's a very, very strong woman, even though she looks frail."[174]

She had directed the detailed planning of the funeral,[170]which included scheduling all the major events and asking former PresidentGeorge H. W. Bush,as well as former British Prime MinisterMargaret Thatcher,former Soviet Union LeaderMikhail Gorbachev,and former Canadian Prime MinisterBrian Mulroneyto speak during the National Cathedral Service.[170]She paid very close attention to the details, something she had always done in her husband's life.Betsy Bloomingdale,one of Reagan's closest friends, stated, "She looks a little frail. But she is very strong inside. She is. She has the strength. She is doing her last thing for Ronnie. And she is going to get it right."[170]The funeral marked her first major public appearance since she delivered a speech to the1996 Republican National Conventionon her husband's behalf.[170]

The funeral had a great impact on her public image. Following substantial criticism during her tenure as first lady, she was seen somewhat as a national heroine, praised by many for supporting and caring for her husband while he suffered from Alzheimer's disease.[141]U.S. News & World Reportopined, "after a decade in the shadows, a different, softer Nancy Reagan emerged."[175]

Widowhood

edit

Following her husband's death, Reagan remained active in politics, particularly relating tostem cellresearch. Beginning in 2004, she favored what many consider to be theDemocratic Party'sposition, and urged President George W. Bush to support federally funded embryonic stem cell research, in the hope that this science could lead to a cure for Alzheimer's disease.[176]Although she failed to change the president's position, she did support his campaign for a second term.[177]

Reagan dedicates the Air Force One Pavilion at the Reagan Library as President Bush and his wife Laura look on, October 2005

In 2005, Reagan was honored at a gala dinner at theRonald Reagan Buildingin Washington, D.C., where guests includedDick Cheney,Harry Reid,andCondoleezza Rice.[178]

In 2007, she attended thenational funeral service for Gerald Fordin theWashington National Cathedral.Reagan hostedtwo 2008 Republican presidential debatesat the Reagan Presidential Library, the first in May 2007 and the second in January 2008.[179][180][181]On March 25, she formally endorsed SenatorJohn McCain,then the presumptive Republican party nominee for president, but McCain would go on to lose the election to Barack Obama.[182]

Reagan attended the funeral ofLady Bird JohnsoninAustin,Texas, on July 14, 2007,[183]and three days later accepted the highest Polish distinction, theOrder of the White Eagle,on behalf of Ronald Reagan at the Reagan Library. The Reagan Library opened the temporary exhibit "Nancy Reagan: A First Lady's Style", which displayed over eighty designer dresses belonging to her.[184][185]

Reagan accepts theOrder of the White Eaglefrom Polish PresidentLech Kaczyńskion behalf of Ronald Reagan, July 15, 2007

Reagan's health and well-being became a prominent concern in 2008. In February, she suffered a fall at her Bel Air home and was taken toSaint John's Health CenterinSanta Monica, California.Doctors reported that she did not break her hip as feared, and she was released from the hospital two days later.[186]News commentators noted that Reagan's step had slowed significantly, as the following month she walked in very slow strides with John McCain.[187]

In October 2008, Reagan was admitted toRonald Reagan UCLA Medical Centerafter falling at home. Doctors determined that the 87-year-old had fractured herpelvisandsacrum,and could recuperate at home with a regimen ofphysical therapy.[188]As a result of her mishap, medical articles were published containing information on how to prevent falls.[189]In January 2009, Reagan was said to be "improving every day and starting to get out more and more".[190]

Reagan with First LadyMichelle Obamaat a White House luncheon, June 3, 2009

In March 2009, she praised PresidentBarack Obamafor reversing the ban on federally funded embryonic stem cell research.[191]She traveled to Washington, D.C., in June 2009 to unveil a statue of her late husband in theCapitol rotunda.[192]She was also on hand as President Obama signed the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission Act, and lunched privately with Michelle Obama.[193]Reagan revealed in an interview withVanity Fairthat Michelle Obama had telephoned her for advice on living and entertaining in the White House.[194]Following the death of SenatorTed Kennedyin August 2009, she said she was "terribly saddened... Given our political differences, people are sometimes surprised how close Ronnie and I have been to the Kennedy family... I will miss him."[195]She attended the funeral ofBetty FordinRancho Mirage, California,on July 12, 2011.[196]

Reagan hosted a2012 Republican presidential debateat the Reagan Presidential Library on September 7, 2011.[197][198]She suffered a fall in March 2012.[199]Two months later, she endured several broken ribs, which prevented her from attending a speech given byPaul Ryanin the Reagan Presidential Library in May 2012.[199]She endorsed Republican presidential candidateMitt Romneyon May 31, 2012, explaining that her husband would have liked Romney's business background and what she called "strong principles".[197]Followingthe deathof former British Prime MinisterMargaret Thatcherin April 2013, she stated, "The world has lost a true champion of freedom and democracy... Ronnie and I knew her as a dear and trusted friend, and I will miss her."[200]

After her death, her son,Michael Reagan,said that he had no doubts that if his mother were alive, she would have voted forHillary Clinton.[201]

Death and funeral

edit

On March 6, 2016, Nancy Reagan died ofcongestive heart failureat her home in Los Angeles at the age of 94.[202][203][204]On March 7, PresidentBarack Obamaissued apresidential proclamationordering the US flag to be flown athalf-staffuntil sunset on the day of Reagan's interment.[205]

External videos
Nancy Reagan funeral service, March 11, 2016,C-SPAN

Her funeral was held on March 11 at theRonald Reagan Presidential LibraryinSimi Valley, California.[206][207] Representatives from ten first families attended, including former presidentGeorge W. Bush,then-first ladyMichelle Obama,former first ladiesLaura BushandRosalynn Carter,and then-2016 presidential candidate former U.S. secretary of stateHillary Clinton,herself a former first lady. Presidential childrenSteven Ford,Tricia Nixon Cox,Luci Baines Johnson,andCaroline Kennedywere also in attendance, as was presidential grandchildAnne Eisenhower Flottl.[208]

Other attendees included California governorJerry Brown,former governorsArnold SchwarzeneggerandPete Wilson,former House speakersNancy PelosiandNewt Gingrich,and former members of the Reagan administration, includingGeorge P. ShultzandEdwin Meese.There were also many attendees from the Hollywood entertainment industry, includingMr. T,Maria Shriver(Schwarzenegger's then-wife),Wayne Newton,Johnny Mathis,Anjelica Huston,John Stamos,Tom Selleck,Bo Derek,andMelissa Rivers.In all there were some 1,000 guests.[208]

Eulogies were given by formerprime minister of CanadaBrian Mulroney,former secretary of stateJames Baker,Diane Sawyer,Tom Brokaw,and Reagan's childrenPatti DavisandRon Reagan.After the funeral, Reagan was interred next to her husband.[209][210]

Historical assessments

edit

Since 1982Siena College Research Institutehas conducted occasional surveys asking historians to assess American first ladies according to a cumulative score on the independent criteria of their background, value to the country,intelligence,courage,accomplishments,integrity,leadership,being their own women, public image, and value to the president.[211]In terms of cumulative assessment Reagan has been ranked:

  • 39th-best of 42 in 1982[212]
  • 36th-best of 37 in 1993[212]
  • 28th-best of 38 in 2003[212]
  • 15th-best of 38 in 2008[212]
  • 15th-best of 39 in 2014[211]

In the 1993 Sienna Research Institute survey, the first conducted after Reagan left the White House, Reagan was assessed very poorly by historians, ranking the second-worst, with onlyMary Todd Lincolnbeing given a worse assessment.[212]Reagan was ranked the lowest in half of the criteria (background, value to the country, intelligence, courage, and integrity).[213]Regard for Reagan has improved in subsequent iterations of the survey.[212]In the 2008 Siena Research Institute survey, Reagan was ranked the 4th-highest in value to the president, but was ranked the lowest in integrity.[212]In the 2003 survey, Reagan ranked the 5th-highest in value to the president.[214]In the 2014 survey, Reagan and her husband were ranked the 16th-highest out of 39 first couples in terms of being a "power couple".[215]In the 2014 survey, historians ranked Reagan among 20th and 21st century American first ladies as being the 5th greatest in terms of being a "political asset" and 5th greatest in terms of being a strong public communicator.[211]

Reagan and her husband have each posthumously experienced continued criticism for having, during their time in the White House, spent years publicly ignoring theHIV/AIDSepidemic, whichbegan during her husband's presidency.The epidemic had initially predominantly impacted the malehomosexualcommunity. Reagan's great extended public silence on this matter has been contrasted with her coinciding vocalness against drug use. Reagan's extended failure to give significant public acknowledgement of this epidemic has been seen as one of the greatest detractions in her retrospective public regard.[216][217][218][219]However, there has been reporting to suggest that, privately, Reagan did unsuccessfully urge her husband's administration to address the epidemic.[220]

Awards and honors

edit
Reagan receiving an honorary degree from Eureka College, 2009

As noted earlier, Nancy Reagan was awarded thePresidential Medal of Freedomin 2002[167]and theCongressional Gold Medal,in the same year.[168] In 1989, she received theCouncil of Fashion Designers of America's lifetime achievement award.[96]

As First Lady, Nancy Reagan received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws degree fromPepperdine Universityin 1983.[221] Later, she received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree fromEureka Collegein Illinois, her husband's alma mater, in 2009.[222]

Filmography

edit

As Nancy Davis, she also made a number of television appearances from 1953 to 1962, as a guest star in dramatic shows or installments of anthology series. These includedFord Television Theatre(her first appearance with Ronald Reagan came during a 1953 episode titled "First Born" ),Schlitz Playhouse of Stars,Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre(appearing with Ronald Reagan in the 1961 episode "The Long Shadow" ),Wagon Train,The Tall Man,andGeneral Electric Theater(hosted by Ronald Reagan).

References

edit
  1. ^abcdefPercha, Julie (March 6, 2016)."Nancy Reagan, Former First Lady, Dies at 94".ABC News.Archivedfrom the original on January 6, 2023.RetrievedMarch 6,2016.
  2. ^abcde"Nancy Reagan > Her Life & Times".Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation. Archived fromthe originalon October 24, 2006.RetrievedSeptember 22,2007.
  3. ^When Nancy Davis signed with MGM, she gave her birth date as July 6, 1923, shaving two years off her age, a common practice in Hollywood (see Cannon,Governor Reagan,p. 75). This caused subsequent confusion as some sources would continue to use the incorrect birth year.
  4. ^Powling, Anne; O'Connor, John; Barton, Geoff (1997).New Oxford English.Oxford University Press.p. 79.ISBN978-0-19-831192-8.
  5. ^Some sources and websites erroneously list her as either being born in Flushing or being raised in Manhattan.
  6. ^National Archives, "World War I draft registration cards", digital image,Ancestry.com,"Kenneth Seymour Robbins, 23, b. Feb 23, 1892, Pittsfield, Mass, farmer, owner, Brainard, NY, married. Registered June 5, 1916." Retrieved October 8, 2016.
  7. ^"The Sackett Family Association".Sakkett Family.Archivedfrom the original on March 7, 2016.RetrievedMarch 6,2016.
  8. ^Reagan, Nancy (1989), p. 66.
  9. ^Luckett gave her year of birth as 1896 to the Social Security Administration, thus shaving off eight years.
  10. ^"First Lady Biography: Nancy Reagan".National First Ladies Library. Archived fromthe originalon May 9, 2012.RetrievedMarch 6,2016.
  11. ^Edith LuckettArchivedFebruary 17, 2017, at theWayback Machineat theInternet Movie Database.[user-generated source]
  12. ^Edith LuckettArchivedOctober 24, 2012, at theWayback Machineat theInternet Broadway Database.
  13. ^abcdefghijklmnopqrstu"First Lady Biography: Nancy Reagan".National First Ladies Library. Archived fromthe originalon May 9, 2012.RetrievedJune 2,2007.
  14. ^Wills (1987), p. 182.
  15. ^abReagan, Nancy (1989), p. 67.
  16. ^Gonzalez, David (April 12, 1991)."Talk and More Talk About Nancy (That One!) in Flushing".The New York Times.Archivedfrom the original on February 10, 2009.RetrievedOctober 29,2007.
  17. ^ab"The 'just say no' first lady".Today.com. February 18, 2004.Archivedfrom the original on November 17, 2016.RetrievedOctober 16,2007.
  18. ^Reagan, Nancy (1989), p. 71.
  19. ^abcdefWeymouth, Lally(October 26, 1980)."The Biggest Role of Nancy's Life"(fee required).The New York Times Magazine.Archivedfrom the original on February 23, 2017.RetrievedOctober 20,2007.
  20. ^Reagan, Nancy (1989), p. 74.
  21. ^Reagan, Nancy (1989), p. 82.
  22. ^Oshinsky, David M. (2005).Polio: An American Story.New York: Oxford University Press. p.68.ISBN978-0-19-515294-4.
  23. ^"Lute Song".Internet Broadway Database.Archivedfrom the original on September 24, 2015.RetrievedOctober 18,2007.
  24. ^Reagan, Nancy (1989), p. 85.
  25. ^Reagan, Nancy (1989), p. 88.
  26. ^abMetzger, Robert Paul (1989), pp. 31–32.
  27. ^"Biography for Nancy Davis".Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. 2007.RetrievedOctober 17,2007.
  28. ^abcdCannon, Lou (2003), pp. 75–76.
  29. ^abc"Nancy Reagan > Her Films".Ronald Reagan Foundation. Archived fromthe originalon August 12, 2007.RetrievedMarch 8,2007.
  30. ^A. H. Weiler (credited as "A. W." ) (May 19, 1950)."Another View of Psychiatrist's Task".The New York Times.Archivedfrom the original on March 6, 2016.RetrievedOctober 18,2007.
  31. ^Bosley Crowther(June 30, 1950)."'The Next Voice You Hear... ', Dore Schary Production, Opens at Music Hall ".The New York Times.Archivedfrom the original on March 7, 2016.RetrievedOctober 18,2007.
  32. ^Reagan, Nancy (1989), p. 91.
  33. ^Bosley Crowther(June 11, 1951)."'Night Into Morning,' Starring Ray Milland as a Bereaved Professor, at Loew's State ".The New York Times.Archivedfrom the original on November 28, 2021.RetrievedOctober 18,2007.
  34. ^Richard L. Coe(June 9, 1951). "'Night Into Morning' Is Almost Excellent ".The Washington Post.
  35. ^abcMetzger, Robert Paul (1989), p. 33.
  36. ^Wills (1987), p. 184.
  37. ^Bosley Crowther(January 21, 1954)."' Donovan's Brain,' Science-Fiction Thriller, Has Premiere at the Criterion Theatre ".The New York Times.Archivedfrom the original on February 5, 2016.RetrievedOctober 20,2007.
  38. ^Erickson, Glenn (2003)."Hellcats of the Navy, review one".Kleinman.com Inc. Archived fromthe originalon May 10, 2017.RetrievedOctober 17,2007.
  39. ^Harper, Erick (2003)."Hellcats Of The Navy, review two".DVDVerdict. Archived fromthe originalon February 18, 2008.RetrievedOctober 17,2007.
  40. ^"Screen Actors Guild Presidents".Screen Actors Guild.Archivedfrom the original on November 21, 2008.RetrievedMarch 8,2007.
  41. ^abLambert, Pat (January 27, 1997)."To The Top".People.Archived fromthe originalon July 7, 2012.RetrievedJanuary 27,2012.
  42. ^abcdeCannon, Lou (2003), pp. 77–78.
  43. ^"Noteworthy places in Reagan's life".The Baltimore Sun.June 5, 2004. Archived fromthe originalon September 30, 2007.RetrievedApril 11,2007.
  44. ^"First Ladies: Nancy Reagan".whitehouse.gov.Archivedfrom the original on January 20, 2017.RetrievedMarch 8,2007– viaNational Archives.
  45. ^Beschloss, Michael (2007), p. 296.
  46. ^abcd"End of a Love Story".BBC News.June 5, 2004.Archivedfrom the original on September 22, 2022.RetrievedMarch 21,2007.
  47. ^abBerry, Deborah Barfield (June 6, 2004)."By Reagan's Side, but her own person".Newsday.Archived fromthe originalon April 1, 2005.RetrievedAugust 15,2007.
  48. ^abcBeschloss, Michael (2007), p. 284.
  49. ^"Reagan Love Story".NBC News. June 9, 2004.Archivedfrom the original on January 16, 2014.RetrievedMay 25,2007.
  50. ^"Up Next for Nancy Reagan: tending her Ronnie's flame".St. Petersburg Times.June 13, 2004.Archivedfrom the original on December 22, 2004.RetrievedMarch 8,2007.
  51. ^Wolf, Julie (2000)."The Reagan Children".PBS. Archived fromthe originalon November 10, 2007.RetrievedOctober 17,2007.
  52. ^Couric, Katie (November 14, 2004)."Reagan daughter shares her story".NBC News.Archivedfrom the original on March 28, 2014.RetrievedJune 4,2009.
  53. ^"Road To A Reconciliation".CBS. March 27, 2009.Archivedfrom the original on May 15, 2013.RetrievedJune 4,2009.
  54. ^Reagan, Nancy (1989), pp. 148–149.
  55. ^abcCannon, Lou (2003), p. 233.
  56. ^abReagan, Nancy (1989), pp. 135–137.
  57. ^abCharlie LeDuff (November 19, 2004)."Forget the White House, Schwarzenegger Needs Digs Now".The New York Times.Archivedfrom the original on April 18, 2014.RetrievedOctober 19,2007.
  58. ^Adler, Ben (December 17, 2015)."First Family Moves Into California Governor's Mansion".capradio.org.Archivedfrom the original on December 21, 2015.RetrievedMarch 12,2016.
  59. ^Windeler, Robert (November 17, 1967)."Reagan Panel Fills Arts Chief's Post After It Ousted Aide".The New York Times.Archivedfrom the original on May 10, 2017.RetrievedOctober 18,2007.
  60. ^Lilliston, Lynn (December 13, 1968)."A Model First Lady".Los Angeles Times.Archived fromthe originalon October 14, 2008.RetrievedOctober 19,2007.
  61. ^Cook, Lynn and Janet LaDue (2007), pp. 110–111.
  62. ^ab"Nancy Reagan".Scholastic.Archivedfrom the original on March 7, 2016.RetrievedFebruary 16,2014.
  63. ^Anthony, C.S. (2003), p. 135.
  64. ^Jonas, Samantha (June 5, 2004)."Bio: Nancy Reagan".Fox News Channel.Archivedfrom the original on November 9, 2007.RetrievedOctober 19,2007.
  65. ^Timberg, Robert (1999).John McCain: An American Odyssey.Touchstone Books.ISBN978-0-684-86794-6.pp. 119–121.
  66. ^Benze, James G. (2005), p. 32.
  67. ^abcLoizeau, P.M. (2004), p. 64.
  68. ^abcBenze, James G., Jr. (2005), p. 33.
  69. ^Loizeau, P.M. (2004), p. 65.
  70. ^Loizeau, P.M. (2004), p. 69.
  71. ^abWolf, Julie."The American Experience: Nancy Reagan".PBS. Archived fromthe originalon January 10, 2008.RetrievedJanuary 22,2008.
  72. ^abDeaver, Michael (2004), p. 78.
  73. ^"Nancy Reagan".The White House Historical Association. Archived fromthe originalon November 22, 2011.RetrievedJanuary 27,2012.
  74. ^"Brady Returns to the press room with wit intact".The Idaho Statesman.November 10, 1981. p. 1.Archivedfrom the original on April 20, 2024.RetrievedApril 20,2024.
  75. ^"A Tribute to First Lady Nancy Reagan and All Her Stylish Moments".Yahoo News. March 6, 2016.Archivedfrom the original on April 20, 2024.RetrievedApril 20,2024.
  76. ^"Move over Jane Fonda:Here comes the Reagan workout plan".UPI.com.RetrievedApril 20,2024.
  77. ^abcdeNemy, Enid (June 12, 2000)."Ted Graber, 80, Decorator for Reagans, Dies".The New York Times.Archivedfrom the original on March 18, 2017.RetrievedJuly 21,2009.
  78. ^"Master Bedroom".The White House Museum.Archivedfrom the original on July 16, 2017.RetrievedFebruary 1,2008.
  79. ^Brower, Kate Andersen (2015), pp. 134–135.
  80. ^Loizeau, P.M. (2005),p. 93
  81. ^"Nancy Reagan To Run The White House In Grand Style, Social Pundits Say".St. Petersburg Independent.Associated Press. November 13, 1980. p. 5A.Archivedfrom the original on November 7, 2021.RetrievedNovember 13,2020.
  82. ^abNemy, Enid (November 9, 1980)."Word From Friends: A New White House Style Is on the Way"(PDF).The New York Times.p. 80.
  83. ^Proven, Grace (December 23, 1980)."Fashion Designers Look Ahead to '81".The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.p. 18.[permanent dead link]
  84. ^abBurns, Lisa (2008), p. 148.
  85. ^Tate, Sheila (2019).Lady in Red: An Intimate Portrait of Nancy Reagan.Crown Publishing Group. p. 213.ISBN9781524762209.
  86. ^abcdWest, Kevin (October 2007)."Nancy's Closet".W.Archived fromthe originalon September 25, 2009.RetrievedMay 15,2009.
  87. ^abcdefBennetts, Leslie (January 25, 1981). "Nancy Reagan's inaugural wardrobe gives notice of new White House opulence".St. Petersburg Times.
  88. ^Keogh, Pamela (March 7, 2016)."ow Nancy Reagan Returned Unapologetic Glamour to the White House".Vanity Fair.Archivedfrom the original on August 9, 2020.RetrievedAugust 13,2019.
  89. ^King, Wayne & Warren Weaver, Jr. (August 23, 1986)."Washington Talk: Briefing; A Do Ado".The New York Times.RetrievedJune 18,2008.
  90. ^"For Mrs. Reagan, Gifts Mean High Fashion At No Cost"(fee required).Associated Press forThe New York Times.January 16, 1982.Archivedfrom the original on March 17, 2020.RetrievedFebruary 1,2008.
  91. ^abSmith, Hedrick(February 17, 1982)."Nancy Reagan Gives Up Dress Designer Loans"(fee required).The New York Times.Archivedfrom the original on March 17, 2020.RetrievedFebruary 1,2008.
  92. ^abcdMagnuson, Ed (October 24, 1988)."Why Mrs. Reagan Still Looks Like a Million".Time.Archived fromthe originalon October 22, 2012.RetrievedFebruary 1,2008.
  93. ^Kurtz, Howard (December 5, 1989)."IRS Looking into Gifts to Reagans; Borrowed Designer Dresses Subject of Tax Inquiry".The Washington Post.Archived fromthe original(fee required)on November 4, 2012.RetrievedFebruary 2,2008.
  94. ^abRoberts, Steven V.(October 18, 1988)."First Lady Expresses 'Regrets' on Wardrobe".The New York Times.RetrievedFebruary 1,2008.
  95. ^Robinson, John (October 19, 1988)."Nancy Reagan's Dress Blues: Borrowing Clothes From Top Designers May Be Chic, But Is It Proper?".Boston Globe.Archived fromthe original(fee required)on November 4, 2012.RetrievedFebruary 7,2008.
  96. ^abcHochswender, Woody (January 10, 1989)."Fashion; Amid the Rustle of Finery, Fashion Celebrates Its Own".The New York Times.Archivedfrom the original on December 20, 2017.RetrievedJuly 22,2009.
  97. ^abcdeSantini, Maureen (September 12, 1981). "Nancy Reagan's White House china: $209,508". Associated Press, published in The St. Petersburg Times.
  98. ^"Lenox: White House".Lenox, Inc. Archived fromthe originalon January 11, 2009.RetrievedJune 2,2007.
  99. ^Klapthor, Margaret Brown (1999), p. 184,
  100. ^abGibbs, Nancy (March 6, 2016)."Remembering Nancy Reagan: The End of a White House Love Story".Time.Archivedfrom the original on April 13, 2016.RetrievedApril 15,2016.(subscription required)
  101. ^Downie, Leonard Jr. (July 30, 1981)."Britain Celebrates, Charles Takes a Bride".The Washington Post.Archivedfrom the original on November 11, 2012.RetrievedNovember 16,2007.
  102. ^Page, Susan (June 13, 2004)."Husband's Past will shape Nancy Reagan".USA Today.Archivedfrom the original on January 9, 2007.RetrievedMarch 8,2007.
  103. ^Neuman, Johanna & David Willman (August 19, 2007)."Michael K. Deaver: 1938–2007 – Image guru set the stage for Reagan".Los Angeles Times.p. 5.Archivedfrom the original on June 29, 2012.RetrievedJuly 29,2009.
  104. ^Reagan, Nancy (1989), p. 56.
  105. ^Moore, Boothe (January 18, 2009)."Can she stay 'everywoman'?".Los Angeles Times.Archived fromthe originalon June 29, 2012.RetrievedFebruary 5,2009.
  106. ^abUsborne, David (June 2, 2009)."Nancy Reagan: I still see Ronnie in my bedroom".The Independent.London. Archived fromthe originalon March 4, 2016.RetrievedJune 3,2009.
  107. ^Brower, Kate Andersen (2015), pp. 110–112.
  108. ^Brower, Kate Andersen (2015), pp. 7, 75, 134, 274.
  109. ^Brower, Kate Andersen (2015), pp. 132–133.
  110. ^Brower, Kate Andersen (2015), pp. 133, 167–168.
  111. ^Grant, Paul (November 4, 1986)."Charges Against Nancy Reagan's Maid Dropped".St. Petersburg Times.United Press International.p. 14A.Archivedfrom the original on June 17, 2022.RetrievedMay 10,2015.
  112. ^Brower, Kate Andersen (2015), p. 117.
  113. ^Schifando and Joseph (2007), p. 165.
  114. ^Brower, Kate Andersen (2015), pp. 112–113.
  115. ^Schifando and Joseph (2007), pp. 169–172.
  116. ^Schifando and Joseph (2007), p. 175.
  117. ^Schifando and Joseph (2007), p. 173.
  118. ^abc"Mrs. Reagan's Crusade".Ronald Reagan Foundation. Archived fromthe originalon August 12, 2007.RetrievedMarch 8,2007.
  119. ^"Remarks at the Nancy Reagan Drug Abuse Center Benefit Dinner in Los Angeles".Ronald Reagan Foundation. January 4, 1989. Archived fromthe originalon March 5, 2016.RetrievedOctober 3,2007.... in Oakland where a schoolchild in an audience Nancy was addressing stood up and asked what she and her friends should say when someone offered them drugs. And Nancy said, "Just say no." And within a few months thousands of Just Say No clubs had sprung up in schools around the country.
  120. ^Loizeau, Pierre-Marie.Nancy Reagan: The Woman Behind the Man(1984). Nova Publishers, pp. 104–105.
  121. ^Brian L. Dyak (Executive Producer), William N. Utz (Executive Producer) (December 11, 1985).Stop the Madness(Music Video). Hollywood and The White House, Washington, D.C.: E.I.C. Event occurs at 3:15.
  122. ^"Thirty Years of America's Drug War".pbs.org.Archivedfrom the original on February 24, 2011.RetrievedApril 4,2007.
  123. ^abElliott, Jeff (May 1993)."Just say nonsense – Nancy Reagan's drug education programs".Washington Monthly.Vol. 25, no. 5. p. 3.Archivedfrom the original on July 2, 2015.RetrievedJuly 2,2015.
  124. ^Hancock, David (June 5, 2004)."His Fierce Protector: Nancy".CBS.Archivedfrom the original on January 12, 2008.RetrievedNovember 15,2007.
  125. ^Reagan, Nancy (1989), p. 5.
  126. ^Noonan, Peggy."Character Above All: Ronald Reagan essay".PBS. Archived fromthe originalon October 11, 2007.RetrievedAugust 15,2007.
  127. ^"Final Edited Transcript: Interview with Max Friedersdorf"(PDF).Miller Center of Public Affairs. October 24–25, 2002. p. 60.Archived(PDF)from the original on February 5, 2016.RetrievedOctober 20,2007.Mrs. Reagan was all upset, of course. He said that Senator [Strom] Thurmond had come over to the hospital and had talked his way in, past the lobby, up to the President's room – he's in intensive care, tubes coming out of his nose and his throat, tubes in his arms and everything – and said that Strom Thurmond had talked his way past the secret service into his room and Mrs. Reagan was outraged, distraught. She couldn't believe her eyes. He said, 'You know, those guys are crazy. They come over here trying to get a picture in front of the hospital and trying to talk to the President when he may be on his deathbed.
  128. ^Burns, Lisa (2008), pp. 130, 138–139.
  129. ^Brower, Kate Andersen (2015), p. 160.
  130. ^abIvins, Molly(March 18, 1990)."Stars and Strife".The New York Times.RetrievedNovember 16,2007.
  131. ^"Astrologer who helped guide President Reagan's schedule dies at 87".PBS NewsHour.October 24, 2014.Archivedfrom the original on November 22, 2022.RetrievedNovember 22,2022.
  132. ^abMartin, Douglas (October 14, 2014)."Joan Quigley, Astrologer to a First Lady, Is Dead at 87".The New York Times.Archivedfrom the original on November 22, 2022.RetrievedNovember 22,2022.
  133. ^Anthony, C.S. (1991), p. 396.
  134. ^Anthony, C.S. (1991), p. 398.
  135. ^Thomas, Rhys (Writer/Producer); Donaldson, Sam (interviewee) (2005).The Presidents(Documentary). A&E Television.
  136. ^"What Hillary Clinton owes Nancy Reagan: The late First Lady wielded real influence on her husband's presidency".Daily News.New York. March 9, 2016.Archivedfrom the original on March 10, 2016.RetrievedMarch 9,2016.
  137. ^Donald Regan.For the Record: From Wall Street to Washington,(San Diego: Harcourt Trade Publishers, 1988),ISBN0151639663
  138. ^abWadler, Joyce; Blessing, Angela; Mathison, Dirk; Bonnett Sellinger, Margie (May 23, 1988)."The President's Astrologers".People.Archivedfrom the original on June 2, 2013.RetrievedJuly 30,2021.
  139. ^Apple, R. W. Jr (November 1, 1989)."Books of the Times; Nancy Reagan Tells Her Side of the Stories".The New York Times.RetrievedJune 3,2008.
  140. ^Reagan, Nancy (1989), pp. 44, 47.
  141. ^abcd"Nancy Reagan emerges as public icon".BBC News.June 10, 2004.Archivedfrom the original on April 26, 2017.RetrievedNovember 2,2007.
  142. ^Reagan, Nancy (1989), p. 21.
  143. ^Reagan, Nancy (1989), p. 62.
  144. ^Bohlen, Celestine (December 8, 1988)."The Gorbachev Visit; Another Obstacle Falls: Nancy Reagan and Raisa Gorbachev Get Chummy".The New York Times.RetrievedOctober 14,2008.
  145. ^Chua-Eoan, Howard G. (June 6, 1988)."My Wife Is a Very Independent Lady".Time.Archived fromthe originalon October 17, 2007.RetrievedOctober 5,2007.
  146. ^abcBurns, Lisa (2008), pp. 139–140.
  147. ^ab"Nancy Reagan Criticizes Aides to President".The New York Times.Reuters. November 13, 1988.Archivedfrom the original on March 4, 2016.RetrievedMay 16,2009.
  148. ^Reagan, Nancy (1989), p. vii.
  149. ^Reagan, Nancy (1989), p. 65.
  150. ^Altman, Lawrence K (October 18, 1987)."Surgeons Remove Cancerous Breast of Nancy Reagan".The New York Times.RetrievedJune 23,2008.
  151. ^Reagan, Nancy (1989), p. 285.
  152. ^"Perspectives in Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Trends in Screening Mammograms for Women 50 Years of Age and Older – Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 1987".Department of Health and Human Services. March 10, 1989.Archivedfrom the original on October 28, 2017.RetrievedJune 23,2008.
  153. ^ab"A Look Back At The Polls".CBS Interactive Inc. June 7, 2004.Archivedfrom the original on October 17, 2007.RetrievedOctober 14,2007.
  154. ^Beyette, Beverly; Betty Cuniberti (December 4, 1988)."The Reagan Re-Entry: After Years in the Capital Fishbowl, the First Couple Hope to Find a Little Calm in a Much Changed L.A."Los Angeles Times.Archivedfrom the original on June 29, 2012.RetrievedApril 23,2010.
  155. ^Stevens, Pam (January 21, 2001)."Reagan paid back his friends for house they bought for him".CNN. Archived fromthe originalon October 14, 2007.RetrievedNovember 16,2007.
  156. ^Netburn, Deborah (December 24, 2006)."Agenting for God".Los Angeles Times.Archived fromthe originalon May 25, 2011.RetrievedNovember 16,2007.
  157. ^ab"Ronald Reagan dies at 93".CNN. June 5, 2004.Archivedfrom the original on March 1, 2007.RetrievedFebruary 7,2007.
  158. ^"Nancy Reagan: Her Life and Times".Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation. Archived fromthe originalon November 12, 2007.RetrievedMay 12,2007.
  159. ^"My Turn Review".A-1 Women's Discount Bookstore. Archived fromthe originalon April 2, 2015.RetrievedMarch 28,2007.
  160. ^Kiely, Kathy (September 13, 2004)."Critical book on Bushes sparks firestorm".USA Today.Archivedfrom the original on October 8, 2008.RetrievedDecember 24,2007.In 1991, The New York Times published a front-page story on Kelley's biography of Nancy Reagan—and then apologized for repeating some of its salacious charges without attempting to verify them.
  161. ^Crowley, Michael (September 15, 2004)."Kitty Kelley: Colonoscopist to the Stars".Slate.Archivedfrom the original on December 10, 2008.RetrievedJune 13,2009.
  162. ^Usborne, David (December 15, 2006)."Fact or fiction? The incredible world of Kitty Kelley".The Independent.London.Archivedfrom the original on June 18, 2022.RetrievedJune 20,2009.
  163. ^Kurtz, Howard(September 8, 2004)."Media View Kitty Kelley's Bush Book With Caution".The Washington Post.Archivedfrom the original on October 11, 2008.RetrievedJune 20,2009.
  164. ^abHershey, Robert D. (December 6, 1989)."Gifts and Loans to Nancy Reagan Stir I.R.S. Interest in High Fashion".The New York Times.RetrievedJanuary 28,2008.
  165. ^abCastro, Janice (January 27, 1992)."Nancy with the Golden Threads".Time.Archived fromthe originalon July 10, 2009.RetrievedJanuary 28,2008.
  166. ^Bennet, James (April 29, 1997)."Presidents Call for Big Citizenship, Not Big Government".The New York Times.Archivedfrom the original on October 5, 2017.RetrievedDecember 20,2017.
  167. ^ab"President Bush Honors Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award".whitehouse.gov(Press release). July 9, 2002.Archivedfrom the original on July 8, 2011.RetrievedMarch 21,2007– viaNational Archives.
  168. ^ab"Congressional Gold Medal History".United States House of Representatives.Archivedfrom the original on January 5, 2007.RetrievedMarch 8,2007.
  169. ^"Nancy Reagan".Scholastic Library Publishing, Inc. 2006. Archived fromthe originalon March 13, 2008.RetrievedFebruary 16,2008.
  170. ^abcdefNogourney, Adam & Bernard Wienrob (June 12, 2004)."The 40th President: The President's Widow; For a Frail Mrs. Reagan, A Week of Great Resolve".The New York Times.RetrievedFebruary 29,2008.
  171. ^"Outline of Funeral Events in honor of Ronald Wilson Reagan"(Press release). The Office of Ronald Reagan. June 6, 2004. Archived fromthe originalon April 19, 2008.RetrievedFebruary 29,2008.
  172. ^"A Nation bids Reagan Farewell".CBS. June 12, 2004.Archivedfrom the original on September 28, 2013.RetrievedFebruary 29,2008.
  173. ^"Reagan Laid to Rest".Fox News Channel. June 12, 2004.Archivedfrom the original on October 17, 2007.RetrievedMarch 24,2007.
  174. ^"Reagan's Casket Arrives in Washington"(Transcript).CNN. June 9, 2004.Archivedfrom the original on May 16, 2006.RetrievedNovember 2,2007.
  175. ^Cannon, Angie (June 21, 2004)."A warm public embrace for the new Nancy".U.S. News & World Report.Archivedfrom the original on October 13, 2008.RetrievedDecember 13,2008.
  176. ^Check, Erika (2004)."Bush pressured as Nancy Reagan pleads for stem-cell research".Nature.429(6988): 116.Bibcode:2004Natur.429..116C.doi:10.1038/429116a.PMID15141173.
  177. ^"Former first lady Nancy Reagan supports Bush's re-election".USA Today.August 4, 2004.Archivedfrom the original on October 13, 2008.RetrievedOctober 17,2007.
  178. ^Roberts, Roxanne (May 12, 2005)."Just Say Yes: Nancy Reagan Welcomed Back at Tribute".The Washington Post.Archivedfrom the original on September 20, 2017.RetrievedMay 17,2008.
  179. ^Nagourney, Adam; Santora, Marc (May 4, 2007)."'08 Republicans Differ on Defining Party's Future ".The New York Times.Archivedfrom the original on December 10, 2008.RetrievedMay 4,2007.
  180. ^"Romney Blasts McCain over Iraq War Charge".Fox News Channel. January 30, 2008. Archived fromthe originalon February 1, 2008.RetrievedFebruary 1,2008.
  181. ^Phillips, Kate (January 31, 2008)."One Word: Reagan".The New York Times.Archivedfrom the original on September 20, 2017.RetrievedFebruary 9,2008.
  182. ^"Nancy Reagan gives McCain seal of approval".Fox News Channel. Associated Press. March 25, 2008. Archived fromthe originalon March 30, 2008.RetrievedMarch 25,2008.
  183. ^Johnson, Alex (May 4, 2007)."Republicans walk tightrope over war in Iraq".NBC News. Archived fromthe originalon January 3, 2014.RetrievedMay 3,2007.
  184. ^Corcoran, Monica (November 8, 2007)."The Nancy Years".Los Angeles Times.Archivedfrom the original on February 2, 2017.RetrievedJanuary 20,2008.
  185. ^Bakalis, Anna (November 9, 2007)."Style exhibit chronicles Nancy Reagan's life".The Ventura County Star.Archived fromthe originalon March 5, 2009.RetrievedJanuary 20,2008.
  186. ^"Nancy Reagan Released From Hospital".NBC News. February 19, 2008.Archivedfrom the original on December 19, 2013.RetrievedFebruary 19,2008.
  187. ^Williams, Brian (interviewee) (October 15, 2008).Nancy Reagan suffers broken pelvis(Television production). NBC News. Archived fromthe originalon January 29, 2013.RetrievedDecember 5,2008.
  188. ^Whitcomb, Dan (October 17, 2008)."Former first lady Nancy Reagan out of hospital".Reuters.Archivedfrom the original on March 15, 2009.RetrievedMay 14,2009.
  189. ^"Physical Therapy Will Play Key Role In Nancy Reagan's Recovery From Recent Fall".News Today.October 27, 2008. Archived fromthe originalon December 5, 2008.RetrievedDecember 6,2008.
  190. ^"Nancy Reagan Health Update: 'Shes Improving Every Day'".Entertainment Tonight. January 15, 2009. Archived fromthe originalon June 4, 2013.RetrievedJanuary 20,2009.
  191. ^Gordon, Craig (March 9, 2009)."Nancy Reagan praises Obama".The Politico.Archivedfrom the original on March 14, 2009.RetrievedMay 14,2009.
  192. ^Simon, Richard (June 4, 2009)."Reagan returns to Washington, D.C., in bronze".Los Angeles Times.Archivedfrom the original on June 11, 2009.RetrievedJune 3,2009.
  193. ^Cooper, Helene (June 2, 2009)."Nancy Reagan and Obama Kiss and Make Up".The New York Times.Archivedfrom the original on April 2, 2015.RetrievedJune 3,2009.
  194. ^"Nancy Reagan Speaks Out About Obamas, the Bushes, and Her Husband".Vanity Fair.June 1, 2009. Archived fromthe originalon June 3, 2009.RetrievedJune 3,2009.
  195. ^"Nancy Reagan Statement on Ted Kennedy's Death".Time(Press release). August 26, 2009.RetrievedMarch 23,2010.[permanent dead link][dead link]
  196. ^"After Funeral Service, Betty Ford Buried Next to Husband".NBC News.July 14, 2011.Archivedfrom the original on July 30, 2020.RetrievedDecember 20,2013.
  197. ^ab"Nancy Reagan endorses Romney's bid for president".USA Today.Associated Press.May 31, 2012. Archived fromthe originalon November 16, 2017.RetrievedDecember 20,2013.
  198. ^"GOP debate at the Ronald Reagan presidential library".The Washington Post.September 7, 2011.Archivedfrom the original on January 6, 2018.RetrievedDecember 20,2013.
  199. ^ab"Nancy Reagan still recovering from fall".CNN. May 23, 2012.Archivedfrom the original on January 15, 2017.RetrievedDecember 20,2013.
  200. ^"Nancy Reagan: 'Ronnie and Margaret were political soul mates'".CNN. April 8, 2013. Archived fromthe originalon May 3, 2016.RetrievedDecember 20,2013.
  201. ^Vales, Leinz (October 6, 2016)."Michael Reagan: Nancy would vote for Clinton | CNN Politics".CNN.RetrievedAugust 10,2024.
  202. ^Fieldstadt, Elisha; Gittens, Hasani (March 6, 2016)."Former First Lady Nancy Reagan Dead at 94".NBC News.Archivedfrom the original on March 6, 2016.RetrievedMarch 6,2016.
  203. ^Cannon, Lou (March 6, 2016)."Nancy Reagan, a Stylish and Influential First Lady, Dies at 94".The New York Times.Archived fromthe originalon August 27, 2017.RetrievedMarch 6,2016.
  204. ^Dunham, Will (March 6, 2016)."Former First Lady Nancy Reagan dies at 94".Reuters.Washington D.C.Archivedfrom the original on March 6, 2016.RetrievedMarch 6,2016.
  205. ^"Presidential Proclamation – Nancy Reagan"(Press release).The White HouseOffice of the Press Secretary.March 7, 2016.Archivedfrom the original on February 1, 2017.RetrievedMarch 7,2016.
  206. ^Stanley, Alessandra (March 11, 2016)."At Nancy Reagan's Funeral, Honoring the Queen of a Republican Camelot".The New York Times.Archivedfrom the original on June 15, 2016.RetrievedMay 21,2016.
  207. ^Casket Carrying Former First Lady Nancy Reagan Arrives at Reagan Library.Inside Edition(News). March 9, 2016.Archivedfrom the original on November 14, 2021.RetrievedAugust 16,2019.
  208. ^abColacello, Bob (March 17, 2016)."Nancy Reagan's Funeral: 'God Bless America,' White Roses, and a Red Adolfo Suit".Vanity Fair.Archivedfrom the original on May 29, 2016.RetrievedMay 21,2016.
  209. ^Keneally, Meghan (March 12, 2016)."Nancy Reagan Laid to Rest Beside Her Late Husband".6abc Philadelphia.Archivedfrom the original on March 13, 2016.RetrievedMarch 12,2016.
  210. ^"WDIO.com – Former First Lady Nancy Reagan Laid to Rest".WDIO.com. Archived fromthe originalon March 12, 2016.RetrievedMarch 12,2016.
  211. ^abc"Eleanor Roosevelt Retains Top Spot as America's Best First Lady Michelle Obama Enters Study as 5th, Hillary Clinton Drops to 6th Clinton Seen First Lady Most as Presidential Material; Laura Bush, Pat Nixon, Mamie Eisenhower, Bess Truman Could Have Done More in Office Eleanor & FDR Top Power Couple; Mary Drags Lincolns Down in the Ratings"(PDF).scri.siena.edu.Siena Research Institute. February 15, 2014.Archived(PDF)from the original on March 27, 2023.RetrievedMay 16,2022.
  212. ^abcdefg"Ranking America's First Ladies Eleanor Roosevelt Still #1 Abigail Adams Regains 2nd Place Hillary moves from 5 th to 4 th; Jackie Kennedy from 4th to 3rd Mary Todd Lincoln Remains in 36th"(PDF).Siena Research Institute. December 18, 2008.Archived(PDF)from the original on December 22, 2021.RetrievedMay 16,2022.
  213. ^"Eleanor Roosevelt, Hillary Clinton Top First Lady Poll"(PDF).scri.siena.edu.Sienna College. January 10, 1994.Archived(PDF)from the original on November 8, 2022.RetrievedOctober 23,2022.
  214. ^"Ranking America's First Ladies Eleanor Roosevelt Still #1 Abigail Adams Regains 2nd Place Hillary moves from 2nd to 5th; Jackie Kennedy from 7th to 4th Mary Todd Lincoln Up From Usual Last Place"(PDF).scri.siena.edu.Sienna College Research Center. September 29, 2003.Archived(PDF)from the original on December 8, 2022.RetrievedOctober 23,2022.
  215. ^"2014 Power Couple Score"(PDF).scri.siena.edu/.Siena Research Institute/C-SPAN Study of the First Ladies of the United States.Archived(PDF)from the original on March 27, 2023.RetrievedOctober 9,2022.
  216. ^Zak, Dan (March 13, 2016)."On drugs, Nancy Reagan just said no. On AIDS, she said nothing".Washington Post.Archivedfrom the original on August 10, 2022.RetrievedOctober 9,2022.
  217. ^L. La Ganga, Maria (March 11, 2016)."The first lady who looked away: Nancy and the Reagans' troubling Aids legacy".The Guardian.RetrievedOctober 9,2022.
  218. ^Davis, Wynne (June 9, 2022)."Here's why the new Nancy Reagan stamp prompted backlash from the LGBTQ+ community".NPR.Archivedfrom the original on June 9, 2022.RetrievedOctober 9,2022.
  219. ^Mosendz, Polly (March 9, 2016)."Former First Lady Nancy Reagan Watched Thousands of LGBTQ People Die of AIDS".Teen Vogue.Archivedfrom the original on October 9, 2022.RetrievedOctober 9,2022.
  220. ^Tumulty, Karen (April 12, 2021)."Nancy Reagan's Real Role in the AIDS Crisis".The Atlantic.Archivedfrom the original on October 9, 2022.RetrievedOctober 9,2022.
  221. ^"Gets Honorary Degree".The New York Times.Associated Press. May 2, 1983.Archivedfrom the original on August 12, 2017.RetrievedSeptember 5,2017.
  222. ^"Eureka College Awards Nancy Reagan Honorary Doctorate".Chronicle Media. April 8, 2009.Archivedfrom the original on August 12, 2017.RetrievedAugust 12,2017.
  223. ^Pryor, Thomas M. (August 3, 1957)."Universal Plans 7 Films in Month".The New York Times.Archivedfrom the original on May 10, 2017.RetrievedMarch 8,2010.
  224. ^"Of Local Origin".The New York Times.January 31, 1958.Archivedfrom the original on May 10, 2017.RetrievedMarch 8,2010.

Further reading

edit
Further information:Bibliography of Ronald Reagan
edit
Wikimedia Commons has media related toNancy Reagan.
Wikiquote has quotations related toNancy Reagan.
Honorary titles
Preceded by First Lady of California
1967–1975 		Succeeded by
Preceded by First Lady of the United States
1981–1989 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nancy_Reagan&oldid=1250964200"