Nancy Reagan

Nancy Reagan

Nancy Reagan (Anne Frances Robbins) was born on July 6th, 1921. Nancy passed away March 6th, 2016 at 94 years old. Nancy Reagan was born in Flushing, New York, USA. Reagan attended Smith College where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and drama.

Nancy Reagan was an American socialite and actress who served as the First Lady of California from 1967 to 1975 while her husband, Ronald Reagan, was governor. She later became the First Lady of the United States from 1981 to 1989. Known for her keen sense of fashion, she was often praised for her elegance. White House photographer Mary Anne once noted that Nancy was at ease in front of the camera, making her a natural subject for photographs.

Beyond her public image, Nancy Reagan played a significant role as her husband's unofficial "protector," particularly after the 1981 assassination attempt on President Reagan. In her memoir, My Turn, she reflects on her time in the White House, her deep love for her husband, her battle with breast cancer, and the challenges of family relationships.

Journalist Fred Barnes described the book as confirming many rumors about the Reagan White House. In it, Nancy Reagan strongly defends her public image, arguing that the media often exaggerated both her influence and perceived weaknesses. She openly critiques several key figures in the administration, including James Baker, whom she accused of prioritizing his own interests, and Michael Deaver, whom she felt became too entangled in Washington politics. She also disapproved of William Clark’s leadership decisions.

Nancy Reagan’s tense relationship with White House Chief of Staff Donald Regan is another key topic in the book. She denies advocating for his removal but acknowledges their conflicts. She also claims credit for helping arrange a pivotal Cold War meeting between President Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.

One of the most discussed aspects of My Turn is Nancy Reagan’s influence on her husband. She admits to frequently advising him on various matters and controversially reveals that she consulted astrologer Joan Quigley after the 1981 assassination attempt. While she insists that no policy decisions were based on astrology, she does acknowledge that she adjusted the president’s schedule based on astrological advice—often without his knowledge. She explains that astrology became a coping mechanism for the deep anxiety she felt over his safety.

The book also delves into her complicated relationships with her children and stepchildren: Maureen, Michael, Patti, and Ron. Her tense and widely publicized relationship with her daughter, Patti Davis, is a major focus. She criticizes Patti for not attending her grandmother’s funeral and describes her as a difficult child, though she expresses hope for reconciliation—something that eventually happened. She also recounts a public rift with her stepson, Michael, who accused her of ignoring his daughter Ashley after her birth, though they later made amends. During her time in the White House, Nancy was believed to be closest to her stepdaughter, Maureen.

Nancy Reagan: Lists & Other Mentions

• My Turn was a New York Times: #1 Nonfiction Best Seller in 1989.

Nancy Reagan: F.A.Q