Michael Reagan, Son of President Ronald Reagan, Dies at 80

Michael Reagan, the eldest son of former President Ronald Reagan and actress Jane Wyman, has died at the age of 80, his family confirmed Sunday. Reagan passed away surrounded by loved ones in Los Angeles, according to a statement released on the family’s behalf by Young America’s Foundation. Fox News first reported the announcement.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Edward Reagan,” the family said. “Michael was and will always remain a beloved husband, father, and grandpa. Michael was called home to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 4th, surrounded by his entire family in Los Angeles, California. Our hearts are deeply broken as we grieve the loss of a man who meant so much to all who knew and loved him.”

“We appreciate your prayers and ask that you would respect our family’s privacy during this difficult time,” the statement added.

Reagan was a prominent conservative voice in his own right, known nationally as a syndicated radio talk show host, author, and speaker. For decades, he served as one of the most outspoken defenders of his father’s legacy, championing the principles of limited government, individual liberty, and American strength that defined the Reagan era.

He remained closely involved with the Reagan Library and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, which also announced his passing and paid tribute to his lifelong dedication to preserving President Reagan’s ideals.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute said it “mourns the passing of Michael Reagan,” calling him “a steadfast guardian of his father’s legacy.”

“Michael Reagan lived a life shaped by conviction, purpose, and an abiding devotion to President Reagan’s ideals,” the foundation said.

The organization also referenced President Reagan’s autobiography, An American Life, quoting him as writing, “When I read his book, I had even more of a fatherly pride in Mike than I had had before. … He was happy and at peace with himself.”

Michael Reagan’s death represents “a profound loss,” the foundation added, noting that his “presence, warmth, and unwavering commitment will be deeply missed at the Reagan Library and far beyond its walls.”

His passing came amid a difficult stretch of news for Republicans nationwide.

Indiana Republican Rep. Jim Baird, 80, was hospitalized following a vehicular accident and is currently in stable condition, according to reports. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear. Baird has represented Indiana’s 4th Congressional District since 2019 and is well known for his advocacy on behalf of veterans and the agricultural community, Fox News reported.

Before entering Congress, Baird served in the Indiana House of Representatives from 2010 to 2018 and previously held office as a Putnam County commissioner.

Over the weekend, Baird praised President Donald J. Trump’s leadership following the apprehension of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro.

“We are fortunate to have a president willing to follow through on protecting American lives. Decisive leadership as commander in chief matters, and it gives our men and women in uniform the confidence they need to carry out difficult missions against those who threaten our country,” Baird wrote on X.

“Holding indicted criminals accountable and denying drug traffickers a safe haven sends a clear message: The United States will not tolerate foreign actors who enable the flow of fentanyl and other deadly drugs into our communities,” he added.

The same day also brought news of another loss within Republican ranks.

California Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa died at the age of 65, reducing House Republicans’ majority to 218–213. LaMalfa represented California’s 1st Congressional District and served as chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus.

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., confirmed LaMalfa’s passing on X.

“Jacquie and I are devastated about the sudden loss of our friend, Congressman Doug LaMalfa. Doug was a loving father and husband, and staunch advocate for his constituents and rural America. Our prayers are with Doug’s wife, Jill, and their children,” Emmer wrote.

LaMalfa was widely respected as a conservative leader and advocate for rural America and was remembered by colleagues and members of the press alike as principled, kind, and deeply committed to public service.