Michael Reagan, President Ronald Regean’s Son, Dies at 80

Michelle Stein
Michael Reagan
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

What To Know

  • Michael Reagan, the eldest son of President Ronald Reagan and Jane Wyman, died at age 80.
  • He was a prominent conservative commentator, author, radio host, and public speaker who championed his father’s legacy and ideals.
  • Michael is survived by his wife Colleen, their two children Ashley and Cameron.

Michael Reagan, the oldest son of President Ronald Reagan, is dead at 80.

On Tuesday, January 6, a statement from the Reagan family announced Michael’s death. He died on Sunday, January 4, in Los Angeles while surrounded by family, following a battle with cancer.

“Michael was and will always remain a beloved husband, father, and grandpa,” the statement read, per ABC News. “Our hearts are deeply broken as we grieve the loss of a man who meant so much to all who knew and loved him.”

In a statement shared via X, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation shared a touching tribute to the conservative commentator, who was most recently a columnist for Newsmax.

“Michael Reagan lived a life shaped by conviction, purpose, and an abiding devotion to President Reagan’s ideals,” it read. “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.”


Michael was the eldest of Reagan’s five children. With his first wife, Jane Wyman, Ronald adopted Michael hours after he was born. He and Wyman welcomed a biological daughter, Maureen. (They also had a daughter, Christine, who died shortly after birth.) With his second wife, Nancy Reagan, Ronald welcomed a daughter, Patti, and a son, Ron.

During his lifetime, Michael appeared in five episodes of Falcon Crest with his mother. He was also the first host of the game show Lingo. Additionally, he hosted the radio program The Michael Reagan Show.

Michael is survived by his wife, Colleen, and their two kids, Ashley and Cameron, and their families.

More Of This:
Ronald Reagan