Former first lady Nancy Reagan, perhaps best known for her fierce devotion to her beloved "Ronnie," died Sunday morning at home in Los Angeles, a spokesman for the family said. She was 94. The cause of death was congestive heart failure.
"Mrs. Reagan will be buried at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, next to her husband, Ronald Wilson Reagan, who died on June 5, 2004," wrote Reagan Library spokeswoman Joanne Drake in a statement.
Nancy Reagan was an actress and met the former president in the 1950s when he was president of the Screen Actors Guild. They were married shortly thereafter and remained married until Reagan's death in 2004.
Drake's statement also said, "For 10 years, Mrs. Reagan's priority was caring for her husband at home as he battled Alzheimer's Disease. Following his death ... she was devoted to projects related to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, where she served on the board of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, and promoted her husband's legacy of leadership and freedom."
One of Nancy Reagan's biggest campaigns was fighting drug use, a cause she embraced throughout her life.
Reagan's son, Michael Reagan, tweeted the news Sunday.
"I am saddened by the passing of my step mother Nancy Reagan ... She is once again with the man she loved. God Bless..."
Former First Lady Barbara Bush also added her thoughts on Reagan's death.
"Nancy Reagan was totally devoted to President Reagan, and we take comfort that they will be reunited once more," she said in a statement. "George and I send our prayers and condolences to her family."
Republican presidential candidates, Sens. Marco Rubio of Florida and Ted Cruz of Texas -- both longtime admirers of Ronald Reagan -- paid tribute to the former first lady.
Said Rubio, "Nancy Reagan was a woman of incredible grace and strength who served as an inspiration to an entire generation of Americans. As First Lady, she chose not only to lead with her distinctive style and poise, but also to take a stand on tough issues, such as the prevention of recreational drug abuse.
"For conservatives, she has been a powerful living link to her husband's legacy as one of the greatest modern presidents. Through her work with the Reagan Library, she has been active in extending the impact of his leadership and message to a new generation.
"It was an honor to have met Mrs. Reagan when I spoke at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in 2011. She went out of her way to warmly welcome Jeanette and me. She will be sorely missed by those who knew her, and forever remembered by a grateful nation."
Said Cruz, "When Ronald Reagan was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, (Nancy's) faithfulness only multiplied as she stayed by his side. She always remained the love of his life, and after his passing she carried on his legacy -- and most of all his faith that this nation would always stand for good in the face of evil, defeat those who meant her harm, and remain a shining city upon a hill.
Today, Heidi and I mourn with the Reagan family ... We feel the sorrow of the nation. But we remember too that like her husband, Nancy was a person of faith. Ronald Reagan said once he could not 'imagine life without her.' It is good that they are together again."
Many prominent Floridians took time to honor Nancy Reagan.
Gov. Rick Scott said, “Throughout her life, Nancy’s incredible commitment to her country and her family did not falter, and she will continue to inspire all us to live bravely and selflessly. Nancy Reagan made a monumental impact on our nation, and I know her legacy will live on, just like her husband’s legacy has. Ann and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Reagan family and all those who knew her.”
"May we all take comfort knowing that today Mrs. Reagan will be reunited with her husband in heaven," said Lieutenant Gov. and U.S. Senate candidate Carlos Lopez-Cantera. "She was truly devoted to her husband and her country, and Renee and I send our prayers to her family."
Attorney General Pam Bondi issued this statement: “Today our nation lost a great woman who served our country with compassion and grace. Nancy Reagan was a true public servant, dedicating her time to helping the elderly, our veterans and people with disabilities. Her efforts to stop drug abuse impacted an entire generation of American youth, and her legacy will live on through the lives that she touched.”
Said Congressman and U.S. Senate candidate David Jolly, “Today the world lost someone who defined dignity and grace. ... A cancer survivor, she encouraged women to get annual mammograms and her Foster Grandparents campaign connected children who she said ‘needed to be loved and grandparents who needed to feel wanted.’ My prayers and condolences go out to the Reagan family.”
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