Former First Lady Nancy Reagan will be laid to rest next to her husband Friday at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, five days after her passing at the age of 94. Services will be held at 11 a.m. and are closed to the public, but anyone who wishes to pay their respects can still do so at the library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday.
Former First Ladies Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush are expected to attend Friday’s ceremony, along with current First Lady Michelle Obama, former president George W. Bush and a host of celebrities from Wayne Newton to Mr. T. President Barack Obama will not be in attendance, however, opting instead to speak at the annual South by Southwest music festival in Austin, Texas.
Nancy and Ronald Reagan were married in 1952, 14 years before Ronald Reagan’s first election as governor of California. Nancy was known as indispensable figure and staunch defender of her husband’s legacy during and after his two terms as president from 1980 to 1988. She is also renowned for having spearheaded the famous “Just Say No” anti-drug campaign.
Nancy Reagan died of congestive heart failure Sunday at her Bel Air home. She is survived by her son Ron, daughter Patti, stepson Michael and grandchildren. Ronald Reagan died in 2004 at the age of 93 following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Read more about the life and passing of Nancy Reagan here.
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