The United States is mourning the passing of former first lady Nancy Reagan — the better half and a fierce protector of former President Ronald Reagan — who died on Sunday at age 94.
A spokesperson for the Reagan presidential library said the former actress died at her home in Los Angeles due to congestive heart failure.
Nancy Reagan had been by her husband's side during his Republican presidency which lasted from 1981 to 1989. At that time, she became one of the most influential first ladies in the history of the country.
The former first lady was also by her husband's side through an assassination attempt and his struggle with Alzheimer's disease in 1994, a neurodegenerative disorder that destroys memory and other cognitive abilities. Ten years after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's, Ronald Reagan died at the age of 93.
Ronald affectionately called Nancy "Mommy," while she called him "Ronnie."
"I am saddened by the passing of my step mother Nancy Reagan. She is once again with the man she loved," Reagan Legacy Foundation President Michael Reagan tweeted. "Nancy is where she has always wanted to be with her Ronnie. Now she is at peace."
From Washington To Hollywood
Tributes from across the country poured in for the Reagan family's loss.
In a joint statement, President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama expressed admiration for Nancy Reagan, saying that she had redefined the role of the first lady. They mentioned her role as the voice and advocate on behalf of millions of families who go through the devastating reality of Alzheimer's.
"We were fortunate to benefit from her proud example, and her warm and generous advice," the Obamas wrote.
Former President George H. W. Bush and his wife Barbara Bush said they took comfort in knowing that Nancy would be reunited again with her beloved. Bush was the vice president during Reagan's term.
Presidential candidates also expressed their sympathies.
"Nancy Reagan's dedication to our country was matched only by that of her husband," said Ohio Governor and Republican candidate John Kasich. "Theirs was one of our nation's great love stories and a model of shared devotion to our country. America is stronger and better for their service."
Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders said Nancy Reagan was an exemplary first lady.
"Even after her time in the White House, she was an outspoken advocate for stem-cell research to find a cure for Alzheimer's," said Sanders. "Nancy Reagan had a good heart, and she will be dearly missed."
Celebrities such as Elizabeth Banks and Arnold Schwarzenegger said Nancy Reagan was their hero.
"I sat near #NancyReagan once and felt like a teenager seeing one of my idols. She was a BOSS," said Banks.
Nancy Reagan was a diminutive lady but publicly soft-spoken. She was a woman of strong will and high-tone tastes. Aside from being Ronald Reagan's wife, she was his political partner and adviser, a true example that behind every successful man, there stands a woman.
She will be buried next to her husband at the Reagan Presidential library in California.
