"A society that puts equality before freedom will get neither. A society that puts freedom before equality will get a high degree of both." -Milton Friedman
Former First Lady Nancy Reagan has died at the age of 94, according to her spokespersons. The cause of death was congestive heart failure. She follows her husband President Ronald Reagan, who passed away in 2004.
Mrs. Reagan was among the most legendary of recent First Ladies, taking a particularly active role in the War on Drugs. She encouraged children to “just say no” to dangerous substances.
Altogether, she played a large part in crafting the iconic image of President Reagan, offering a softer and kinder touch to the Cold War president.
The cause of death was congestive heart failure, according to her rep Joanne Drake. “Mrs. Reagan will be buried at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, next to her husband, Ronald Wilson Reagan, who died on June 5, 2004,” Drake wrote in a statement.
Nancy Reagan, decked out in red lace dress & gold earrings & necklace set, at “president’s dinner” (Reagan endorsement of Bush’s candidacy). Diana Walker / Time & Life Pictures via Getty Image, file
“Prior to the funeral service, there will be an opportunity for members of the public to pay their respects at the Library.”
“It is a very sad day,” former Ronald Reagan Chief of Staff Ken Duberstein told NBC News.
In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Reagan asked that contributions be made to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Foundation atwww.reaganlibrary.com, Drake said.
Nancy Reagan was born in New York City and when she was six her mother, Edith, a stage actress, married Dr. Loyal Davis, a neurosurgeon. The doctor adopted Nancy and she grew up in Chicago. She later attended Smith College in Massachusetts, where she majored in theater.
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