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Michael Reagan, the oldest son of former President Ronald Reagan and actress Jane Wyman, died Sunday in Los Angeles at age 80, his family announced.
Reagan was a conservative commentator, syndicated radio host and author. In a family statement released Tuesday, his wife, Colleen, and daughters, Cameron Reagan and Ashley Reagan Dunster, said he was “called home to be with the Lord.”
“He meant so much to all who knew and loved him,” the family wrote. “We appreciate your prayers and ask that you would respect our family’s privacy during this difficult time.”
The family did not disclose a cause of death, but Andrew Coffin, vice president of the Young America’s Foundation, said Reagan had battled cancer.
Conservative commentator Mark Levin called Reagan “a great patriot” in a post on X.
Reagan was adopted in 1945 by his father and Wyman. Though his parents later divorced, he remained close to his father and often spoke about the influence Ronald Reagan had on his faith and worldview.
In the 1990s, Reagan’s syndicated program “The Michael Reagan Show” reached millions of listeners nationwide and played a role in energizing conservative voters during the 1994 midterm elections.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute Chairman Fred Ryan also offered a tribute.
“Michael Reagan lived a life shaped by conviction, purpose, and an abiding devotion to President Reagan’s ideals,” Ryan said. “A successful author, nationally syndicated radio talk show host, and sought-after public speaker, Michael used his voice to champion freedom, personal responsibility, and the principles that defined his father’s presidency,” Ryan wrote.
“Michael Reagan’s passing is a profound loss to all who knew him and to the millions who valued his dedication to preserving President Reagan’s legacy,” he continued. “His presence, warmth, and unwavering commitment will be deeply missed at the Reagan Library and far beyond its walls.”