Michael Reagan, Son of Ronald Reagan, Dies at 80
Michael Reagan, elder son of Ronald Reagan, a conservative commentator and author, died at age 80 after battling cancer, with memorial details not publicly disclosed.
Overview
Michael Reagan, the elder son of Ronald Reagan and a longtime conservative commentator and author, died at age 80 after a battle with cancer, according to family statements.
Born in 1945 and adopted soon after by Ronald Reagan and Jane Wyman, Michael Reagan built a career in media, including a radio show and appearances on Newsmax.
As president and chair of the Reagan Legacy Foundation, he actively promoted his father's legacy and presidential priorities in media appearances and public speeches.
Survived by his wife Colleen and their two children, he remained active in charitable work, including fundraising for health and Alzheimer's initiatives.
Ronald Reagan died in 2004 from Alzheimer's disease; Michael served on the Mixed Roots Foundation advisory board and chaired the John Douglas French Alzheimer’s Foundation for several years.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources are neutral in their obituary coverage, focusing on verifiable details: Michael Reagan’s birth, adoption, career as a conservative commentator, charitable work, and relationship to Ronald Reagan. They quote the Ronald Reagan Foundation and present facts (death announced by the Foundation; cause not disclosed) without evaluative framing.
Sources (13)
FAQ
Michael Reagan was a conservative radio talk show host for nearly two decades, syndicated nationally, a Newsmax contributor, author of books like 'Lessons My Father Taught Me', and public speaker who debated Mikhail Gorbachev.
The Reagan Legacy Foundation, founded by Michael Reagan, advances causes President Reagan held dear, memorializes his presidency, supports veterans through scholarships like the USS Ronald Reagan program, and projects like the Walkway to Victory in Normandy.
Michael Reagan is survived by his wife Colleen, married for 49 years, daughter Ashley Reagan (an elementary school principal), and son Cameron Reagan (who works in sales).
Michael Reagan chaired the John Douglas French Alzheimer’s Foundation, served on the Mixed Roots Foundation advisory board for adoption and foster care, and raised over $1.5 million through powerboat racing for charities including Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and Cystic Fibrosis.
It supports scholarships for USS Ronald Reagan sailors' families, created a Ronald Reagan exhibit at Checkpoint Charlie Museum in Berlin, and funds the Walkway to Victory at the Airborne Museum in Sainte-Mère-Église to honor WWII liberators.
History
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