During her years in the White House, Nancy Reagan established herself as one of the most respected women in America. Married to Ronald Reagan for over 52 years, she was not only his partner and protector, but in his words, his favorite roommate. Nancy Reagan’s devotion to her husband is legendary, matched only by his love for her.
Educated at the Girls Latin School in Chicago and a graduate of Smith College, Nancy Reagan was a stage and film actress before becoming a wife and mother. Even before Ronald Reagan was elected to political office, Mrs. Reagan devoted countless hours to charitable causes, working with veterans, the elderly, and the physically or mentally disabled. Later, as First Lady of California, she championed the cause of POW’s and soldiers missing in action, and gave her support to the Foster Grandparent Program. As First Lady of the United States, Mrs. Reagan is perhaps best known for her “Just Say No” campaign to fight drug and alcohol abuse in young people.
Mrs. Reagan has spent the majority of her time in the last decade caring for her husband as he battled Alzheimer’s disease, seldom leaving his side. She took two rare trips in 2002 to Washington, D.C. receiving the Medal of Freedom presented to her at the White House and accepting the Congressional Gold Medal, awarded to both President and Mrs. Reagan for their leadership and dedication to our country. More recently, Mrs. Reagan has sponsored the Navy’s newest aircraft carrier, the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Currently, Mrs. Reagan is determined to see that her husband’s achievements are remembered and that his work will continue through the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. She works tirelessly on behalf of the Library so that Ronald Reagan’s legacy of freedom will live in the hearts of Americans for generations to come.
