Conservative Commentator Michael Reagan, Son Of Ronald Reagan, Dies At 80

Michael Reagan, the oldest child of President Ronald Reagan, has passed away at the age of 80.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute conveyed through a X post on Tuesday that the conservative pundit passed on Sunday, in Los Angeles. The reason for his passing was not disclosed.

The announcement honoured Michael as “a dedicated custodian of his father’s legacy.”

“Throughout his life, Michael Reagan demonstrated unwavering commitment, direction, and a deep dedication to President Reagan’s principles,” stated the X announcement.

"Michael was, and will forever be, a cherished husband, father, and grandfather," shared his family in a statement received by Fox News.

“We mourn deeply as we come to terms with the loss of a man who held immense significance to everyone who knew and cherished him.” Michael stood out among the late president’s five progeny. 

He entered the world in March 1945, born to Irene Flaugher and John Bourgholtzer, as detailed by The Courier-Journal. A short while later, Reagan and his then-wife, the Oscar-winning Jane Wyman, adopted him.

The couple was blessed with daughters, Maureen, who was born in 1941 and passed away in 2001, and Christine, who came into the world in 1947, only to pass away a day later.

They finalised their separation in 1948. Shortly thereafter, Reagan married Nancy Reagan in 1952; they were blessed with daughter Patti in the same year and son Ron in 1958.

"The most extraordinary gift Irene Flaugher gave me was the gift of life. She provided me a chance to live," Michael shared with KTLA in 2008.

“The most incredible gifts Jane Wyman and Ronald Reagan bestowed on me were nurturing and enriching that life.”

Michael pursued further education at Arizona State University and subsequently at Los Angeles Valley College.

Following in his parents’ professional footsteps, he ventured into the entertainment world, participating in several television shows and films, including working alongside his mother in Falcon Crest.

After his stint in acting, he launched his own syndicated radio program, The Michael Reagan Show.

He further pursued authorship, penning multiple books, such as On the Outside Looking In, Twice Adopted and Lessons My Father Taught Me.

President Reagan celebrated his son’s literary achievements in his own memoir, An American Life: “Reading his book filled me with an even deeper fatherly pride in Mike than before… he was content and in harmony with himself,” he penned, according to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute.

In 1971, Michael entered into marriage with his first wife, Pamela Gail Putnam, but parted ways the following year. He then wed Colleen Sterns and welcomed his son, Cameron, now 48, and daughter Ashley, now 43.

Michael dedicated himself as chair of the Reagan Legacy Foundation throughout his life, committed to "promoting the causes that President Reagan valued and commemorating his presidential achievements," per the organisation's website.

Moreover, he provided his insights as a commentator for the conservative television network, Newsmax.

Besides his political engagements, Michael actively collaborated with several charitable organisations, including serving as chair of the board at the John Douglas French Alzheimer’s Foundation. His father succumbed to Alzheimer’s complications in June 2004.