Michael Reagan, Ronald Reagan’s elder son, dies at 80
Michael Reagan, the eldest son of former President Ronald Reagan, died Sunday, January 4, 2026, at age 80, surrounded by his wife Colleen and children Cameron and Ashley, his family said. A former actor who attended Arizona State University and Los Angeles Valley College and the long‑time host of The Michael Reagan Show, he raised funds through powerboat racing for causes including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, held leadership and advisory roles with organizations such as the John Douglas French Alzheimer’s Foundation, Reagan Legacy Foundation and Mixed Roots Foundation, and wrote memoirs including On the Outside Looking In, Twice Adopted and Lessons My Father Taught Me.
📌 Key Facts
- Michael Reagan, the eldest son of President Ronald Reagan, died Sunday, January 4, 2026, at age 80, surrounded by his family, according to a statement from his wife Colleen and children Cameron and Ashley.
- He hosted The Michael Reagan Show for nearly two decades.
- He attended Arizona State University and Los Angeles Valley College and acted in television shows including Falcon Crest.
- He was active in charitable and advocacy work, fundraising via powerboat racing for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Statue of Liberty Restoration Fund; serving as an adviser to the Mixed Roots Foundation; and holding leadership roles at the John Douglas French Alzheimer’s Foundation and the Reagan Legacy Foundation.
- He authored autobiographical books including On the Outside Looking In and Twice Adopted, and the 2016 book Lessons My Father Taught Me, in which he described his difficult childhood, adoption and faith journey.
📊 Relevant Data
President Woodrow Wilson suffered a severe stroke in October 1919 while in office, leading to significant cognitive and physical impairments that left him largely incapacitated for the remainder of his term.
Woodrow Wilson - Strokes and denial — University of Arizona Libraries
A linguistic analysis of President Ronald Reagan's spontaneous speech during his presidency showed a decline in discourse complexity, which may indicate early signs of Alzheimer's disease prior to his official diagnosis in 1994.
Tracking Discourse Complexity Preceding Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosis: A Case Study Comparing the Press Conferences of Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Herbert Walker Bush — PMC (Journal of Alzheimer's Disease)
Among 19th century and early 20th century US presidents, four experienced dementia or cognitive decline, as identified in a neurological review of historical records.
Spectrum of Neurological Disorders Among 19th Century and Early 20th Century Presidents of the United States — Neurology.org (American Academy of Neurology)
📰 Sources (2)
- Confirms Michael Reagan died Sunday, January 4, 2026, surrounded by his family, according to a statement from his wife Colleen and children Cameron and Ashley.
- Provides additional career detail: he attended Arizona State University and Los Angeles Valley College, acted in TV shows including 'Falcon Crest,' and hosted 'The Michael Reagan Show' for nearly two decades.
- Lists his charitable and advocacy roles, including fundraising via powerboat racing for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Statue of Liberty Restoration Fund; advisory role for Mixed Roots Foundation; and leadership positions at the John Douglas French Alzheimer’s Foundation and the Reagan Legacy Foundation.
- Notes his autobiographical works 'On the Outside Looking in' and 'Twice Adopted,' and 2016 book 'Lessons My Father Taught Me,' describing his difficult childhood, adoption, and faith journey.