Ronald Reagan's Eldest Son Michael Reagan Dies at 80 – What We Know About His Life

Michael Reagan has left behind a legacy of public service, political commentary, and devotion to preserving his father's ideals.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute announced the passing of Michael Reagan. The eldest son of former President Ronald Reagan and actress Jane Wyman died on January 4, 2026, at the age of 80. Michael spent his life championing the values his father held dear.

Presidential Foundation Shares Tribute to a Son of Legacy

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute wrote in a statement, "Michael Reagan lived a life shaped by conviction, purpose, and an abiding devotion to President Reagan's ideals. 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."

The organization had not shared a cause of death by the time of publication. Netizens have expressed their condolences in heartfelt ways, sharing the grief that Michael's passing has brought. One user wrote, "Our hearts ache with the family’s loss and deep sympathy."

Another person offered prayers and support, "My prayers are with his family. 🙏🏽" Some people reflected on Michael's life and his connection to his father, "Very sad. RIP, dear sir. You must have made your father proud. What a wonderful reunion it must have been!" Each comment captured the public's sympathy and respect for the Reagan family legacy.

Adopted Son Shaped by Devotion to His Father's Ideals

Born in 1945, Michael was adopted shortly after birth by Ronald and Jane. The couple also shared another daughter, Maureen. After their divorce in 1948, Ronald remarried.

Michael recalled, "I was 3 years old. If you remember, I was adopted into the family. But my father, even though he remarried in 1952 to [former First Lady Nancy Reagan], he didn't forget that he had another family."

Michael spent much of his childhood living with Jane, who passed away in 2007 at the age of 93, but he also spent time with his father. He fondly recalled the Saturday mornings he would spend with Ronald, traveling out to the family ranch.

Those weekends were filled with horseback riding, swimming, shooting targets, chopping wood, and other outdoor activities. Beyond the chores and games, Michael remembered listening to music and learning life lessons from his father during those moments, which left a lasting impression on him.

He received an early education in politics and policy, gaining firsthand insight into tax issues from his father. Ronald was a Republican whose two-term presidency remains both iconic and a subject of ongoing debate, particularly over his cautious handling of the AIDS crisis.

Three Generations Stand in Honor

Over the years, Michael regularly paid tribute to his father, including on what would have been Ronald's 111th birthday on February 6, 2022. That year, Michael marked the occasion at his father's presidential library in Simi Valley, California, in a ceremony that was both formal and deeply personal.

In keeping with tradition, a wreath was laid at the former president's gravesite, an honor authorized for all presidents on their birthdays. The ceremony was conducted by the U.S. Marine Corps commanding general at Camp Pendleton and featured a color guard, a chaplain, a brass quintet, and a 21-gun salute.

Michael attended the event, saying, "What was nice about this year was that we were able to have three generations. Myself ... my two children, Ashley Marie Reagan and Cameron Michael Reagan, my son and my daughter; and my son's two children, my grandchildren, Marilyn and Penelope Reagan."

He described the occasion as one of pride, reflecting on the enduring legacy of his father rather than feeling sorrow. Michael highlighted the celebration of Ronald's life and impact rather than mourning his passing.

He gushed, "He had a great life. He led a great life. He did great things in his life. I'm lucky enough to a member of the family and be brought into the family and be the eldest living child of the Reagan family. It's nice to be in that position and to really carry on the legacy and be able to tell the story that only I can tell because I go back to 1945, and nobody else goes back that far."

Struggles of a Famous Last Name

Michael's relationship with his father was also complex and multifaceted. In a memoir from the 1980s, he reflected candidly on growing up as the only son of Ronald and Oscar-winning actress Jane Wyman. As a father and grandfather, Michael built a life dedicated to supporting veterans.

He noted that being the child of a famous figure comes with challenges, including the difficulty of carving out one's own path amid constant public attention. Yet he also recognized the privilege of carrying forward his father's story.

For instance, he had the honor to share the historic moments and achievements of Ronald's presidency with the public, including his role as the first sitting president to visit Normandy and speak on D-Day.

Now, for the millions who remember the Reagan name not just in history books but in the beating heart of a nation once transformed by it, Michael will not be forgotten.