AP Photo/Doug MillsNancy Reagan has died at age 94.
The widow of late former President Ronald Reagan and one of the most influential first ladies in United States history passed away Sunday at her home in Los Angeles after suffering congestive heart failure, her office announced in a statement to E! News.
Nancy was born Anne Frances Robbin in New York City in 1921. Like her husband, Nancy used to be an actor. She went by the name Nancy Davis and appeared in films such as The Next Voice You Hear and The Dark Wave in the 1950s. She and Ronald wed in 1952. They had two children, Patti Davis and Ron Reagan.
"Nancy Davis Reagan has led a remarkable life—as an adoring daughter, a loving mother, a devoted and sensitive partner, and a worthy ambassador for our country as First Lady," Ronald said about his wife in 1994, according to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Foundation. "I have seen her cope bravely with life's most difficult challenges, exuding grace and dignity and strength. I am so proud of this woman...I can't imagine life without her."
Ronald, a Republican, was elected U.S. president in 1980, defeating Democratic candidate Jimmy Carter. He won re-election to a second term in 1984. During her time as First Lady of the United States, Nancy spearheaded the "Just Say No" anti-drug campaign.
Nancy will be laid to rest at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif. next to her husband, who died in 2004 at age 93 after battling Alzheimer's disease. In lieu of flowers, she had requested contributions to be made to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Foundation.
"Nancy Reagan once wrote that nothing could prepare you for living in the White House," President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama said in a statement released by the White House. "She was right, of course. But we had a head start, because we were fortunate to benefit from her proud example, and her warm and generous advice."