Former First Lady Nancy Reagan remained an influential figure in politics, even a decade after her husband, President Ronald Reagan died. When Nancy Reagan died on March 6, there was a brief pause to the race to the White House to remember her.
Nancy Reagan died at age 94 in Los Angeles and will be buried at the Reagan Library, right next to her husband, who died in 2004 after a battle with Alzheimer’s. Here’s how the candidates for President remembered her on Sunday.
Donald Trump:
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz:
Florida Sen. Marco Rubio:
Ohio Gov. John Kasich said that the U.S. and the Reagan family “have lost a woman of grace and strength,” adding that “America is stronger and better for their service.”
Prior to Sunday’s Democratic debate in Flint, Michigan, the candidates paused for a moment of silence to remember Nancy Reagan. The two candidates also shared their thoughts on social media.
Hillary Clinton:
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders:
Former President Jimmy Carter, who ran unsuccessfully against Ronald Reagan in 1980, told the Associated Press:
"Rosalynn and I are saddened by the passing of former First Lady Nancy Reagan. She will always be admired for her strength of conviction and her lifelong devotion to her husband. Her 'just say no' campaign prevented many young people from falling prey to the allure of drug use; and her advocacy for stem cell research raised public awareness and influenced decision makers about vital research for Alzheimer's disease. We extend our condolences to her family at this difficult time."
Former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton:
“Nancy was an extraordinary woman: a gracious first lady, proud mother and devoted wife to President Reagan — her Ronnie. Her strength of character was legendary, particularly when tested by the attempted assassination of the president, and throughout his battle with Alzheimer's. She leaves a remarkable legacy of good.”
Former President George W. Bush:
“Laura and I are saddened by the loss of former first lady Nancy Reagan. Mrs. Reagan was fiercely loyal to her beloved husband, and that devotion was matched only by her devotion to our country. Her influence on the White House was complete and lasting. During her time as first lady and since, she raised awareness about drug abuse and breast cancer. When we moved into the White House, we benefited from her work to make those historic rooms beautiful.”
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama:
“Nancy Reagan once wrote that nothing could prepare you for living in 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. Our former first lady redefined the role in her time here. Later, in her long goodbye with President Reagan, she became a voice on behalf of millions of families going through the depleting, aching reality of Alzheimer's, and took on a new role, as advocate, on behalf of treatments that hold the potential and the promise to improve and save lives.”