(KTLA) — Michael Reagan, the son of President Ronald Reagan, died Sunday in Los Angeles after a battle with cancer. He was 80 years old.
The younger Reagan was the adopted son of Ronald Reagan and his first wife, Jane Wyman.
In recent years, he’d worked as a columnist for the conservative media outlet Newsmax.
In a statement from the Reagan family, Michael Reagan’s wife, Colleen, and children, Cameron Reagan and Ashley Reagan Dunster, mourned “a beloved husband, father, and grandpa.”
“Michael was called home to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 4th, surrounded by his entire family in Los Angeles, California,” the statement said. “Our hearts are deeply broken as we grieve the loss of a man who meant so much to all who knew and loved him.
“We appreciate your prayers and ask that you would respect our family’s privacy during this difficult time.”
Conservative figures offered the Reagans their condolences and emphasized Michael Reagan’s role in conservative politics.
“Michael Reagan was such a wonderful inspiration to so many of us,” said former Wisconsin Gov. and Young America’s Foundation President Scott Walker. “That was particularly true of the students who heard him at Young America’s Foundation’s programs at the Reagan Ranch.
“He did so much more than share stories about his father. He challenged the next generation to share the values he stood for throughout his public life. He called on them to be happy warriors in the battle to uphold the founding principles of our republic.”
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation added that he was “a steadfast guardian of his father’s legacy.”
“Michael Reagan lived a life shaped by conviction, purpose, and an abiding devotion to President Reagan’s ideals,” the foundation said on social media. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to Colleen, Cameron, Ashley, and the entire Reagan family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this time of sorrow.”