Former first lady Nancy Reagan speaks during a birthday celebration held in honor of Ronald Reagan at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library February 6, 2011 in Simi Valley, California. (Eric Thayer/Getty)
Nancy Reagan, the former first lady and wife of President Ronald Reagan, died Sunday at the age of 94 at her home in Los Angeles.
President Obama said 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.
The 2016 presidential candidates also began issuing statements Sunday to react to the death of the influential former first lady. Here is how they each reacted:
Donald Trump
(Getty)
Republican frontrunner Donald Trump reacted to Nancy Reagan’s death on Twitter.
“Nancy Reagan, the wife of a truly great President, was an amazing woman. She will be missed!,” he wrote.
Ted Cruz
Ted Cruz. (Getty)
Texas Senator and Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz also reacted on Twitter.
“Nancy Reagan will be remembered for her deep passion for this nation and love for her husband, Ronald. The Reagan family is in our prayers,” he wrote.
Marco Rubio
Marco Rubio. (Getty)
On Twitter, Florida Senator and Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio wrote, “Today our nation mourns the loss of Nancy Reagan, a true example of integrity and grace. My prayers are with the entire Reagan family.”
John Kasich
Republican presidential candidate Ohio Governor John Kasich speaks to guests gathered for a town hall meeting at Doll Distributing on July 24, 2015 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Ohio Governor and Republican presidential candidate John Kaisch issued a statement on her death:
President Reagan has been reunited with his wife and partner but America and the Reagan family have lost a woman of grace and strength. I join people from around the coutnry and the world in sending them our best thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. A woman of strength and wit, Nancy Reagan’s dedication to our country was matched only by that of her husband. Theirs was one of our nation’s great love stories and a model of shared devotion to our country. America is stronger and better for their service.
Hillary Clinton
Hillary Clinton. (Getty)
Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, issued a joint statement:
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.
Bernie Sanders
(Getty)
Vermont Senator and Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders said in a statement:
No matter your party or political ideology, this is a sad day for America. Nancy Reagan was an exemplary first lady. A devoted partner, she was her husband’s most trusted advisor and, as such, served our country well. Even after her time in the White House, she was an outspoken advocate for stem-cell research to find a cure for Alzheimer’s. Nancy Reagan had a good heart, and she will be dearly missed.
