Lawmakers, candidates celebrate life, mourn death of Nancy Reagan

Mrs. Reagan, 94, died from heart failure on Sunday morning at her home in Los Angeles. She also worked as a Hollywood actress during the 1940s and 1950s.

Following her husband’s death in 2004 from Alzheimer’s Disease, Reagan remained involved with the Reagan Library and in advocating for embryonic stem cell research.

President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle have released 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 President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton released a joint statement Sunday afternoon:

Hillary and I were deeply saddened to learn of Nancy Reagan’s passing.

Nancy was an extraordinary woman: a gracious first lady, proud mother, and devoted wife to President Reagan — her Ronnie. Her strength of character was legendary, particularly when tested by the attempted assassination of the president, and throughout his battle with Alzheimer’s. She leaves a remarkable legacy of good that includes her tireless advocacy for Alzheimer’s research and the Foster Grandparent Program.

We join all Americans in extending our prayers and condolences to her beloved children and her entire family during this difficult time.

The Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz released a statement via email:

I join millions of Americans today in mourning the passing of former first lady Nancy Reagan. Mrs. Reagan understood the enormous responsibility that comes with representing our nation from the White House on the world stage, and she was beloved by the American people for her grace and dignity in that role.

Her “Just Say No” campaign to keep children from abusing drugs had a long-lasting impact that no doubt saved lives. And her work later in life to support the National Alzheimer’s Association and stem cell research helped advance the science of finding a cure for a devastating disease that affects millions of American families every day.

As we celebrate her life and legacy as a partner, confidant and advisor to President Reagan, and as a leader and philanthropist in her own right, we should also honor her passing by reflecting on the progress we can make when our elected officials work together across the aisle, as the Reagan administration did on issues ranging from immigration to nuclear arms control, making our people more prosperous and our nation more secure.