Former First Lady Nancy Reagan dies aged 94

United States
World
Sunday 6 March 2016 at 4:50pm

The wife of former US President Ronald Reagan has died aged 94, her office have said.

In a statement, a spokesperson said: "Nancy Davies Reagan, former First Lady of the United States, died this morning at her home in Los Angeles at the age of 94. The cause of death was congestive heart failure."

She will be buried alongside her husband in California, the statement said.

A former actress, Mrs Reagan was fiercely protective of husband Ronald through a Hollywood career, eight years in the White House, an assassination attempt and Alzheimer's disease.

Nancy (left) and her husband Ronald in 1981. Credit: Reuters

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama paid tribute to Nancy Reagan in a statement.

Nancy Reagan once wrote that nothing could prepare you for living in the White House. She was right, of course. But we had a head start, because we were fortunate to benefit from her proud example and her warm and generous advice. Our former First Lady redefined the role in her time here. Later, in her long goodbye with President Reagan, she became a voice on behalf of millions of families going through the depleting, aching reality of Alzheimer's, and took on a new role, as advocate, on behalf of treatments that hold the potential and the promise to improve and save lives. We offer our sincere condolences to their children, Patti, Ron, and Michael, and to their grandchildren. And we remain grateful for Nancy Reagan's life, thankful for her guidance, and prayerful that she and her beloved husband are together again.

Former First Lady Barbara Bush also paid tribute to Mrs Reagan.

Former Governor of California and Hollywood film star Arnold Schwarzenegger paid tribute to Mrs Reagan on Twitter, saying: "Nancy Reagan was one of my heroes. She served as First Lady with unbelievable power, class and grace and left her mark on the world."