Friends, relatives and associates of former First Lady Nancy Reagan along with celebrities took to Twitter to express their sadness over her death.
The wife of President Ronald Reagan died today in Bel Air aged 94 after suffering congestive heart failure.
Michael Reagan, her stepson, tweeted: 'She is once again with the man she loved', while former President George W Bush also spoke about her love for her husband in a statement released on behalf of himself and his wife.
It read: '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.
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All smiles: President Ronald Reagan and wife Nancy at the inaugural ball as he became president in 1981
President Barack Obama and former First Lady Nancy Reagan at the signing of the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission Act in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House on June 2, 2009. He paid tribute to her saying: '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'
Former President George W. Bush is pictured with former First Lady Nancy Reagan at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California on November 18, 2010. He said: 'Her influence on the White House was complete and lasting'
'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.
'Laura and I are grateful for the life of Nancy Reagan, and we send our condolences to the entire Reagan family.'
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle paid tribute to the former actress saying that she helped prepare them for life at the White House.
A statement from them said: '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.
'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.'
Presidents Ford, Reagan, Nixon, and Bush and their wives pose for a photograph at the opening of the Nixon Presidential Library
Former president Bill Clinton also paid to tribute to her releasing a statement which said: 'Hillary and I were deeply saddened to learn of Nancy Reagan’s passing.
'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 that includes her tireless advocacy for Alzheimer’s research and the Foster Grandparent Program.
'We join all Americans in extending our prayers and condolences to her beloved children and her entire family during this difficult time.'
Former First Lady Nancy Reagan is applauded by US President Bill Clinton and others at ceremonies opening Ronald Reagan International Trade Center in 1998. Clinton was among those to pay tribute to the former First Lady
Former First Lady Barbara Bush also took comfort in Nancy being reunited with her husband saying: 'Nancy Reagan was totally devoted to President Reagan, and we take comfort that they will be reunited once more. George and I send our prayers and condolences to her family.'
Jimmy Carter, former US President, said: 'President Reagan has been reunited with his wife and partner but America and the Reagan family have lost a woman of grace and strength.
'I join people from around the country and the world in sending them our best thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
'A woman of strength and wit, Nancy Reagan's dedication to our country was matched only by that of her husband.
'Theirs was one of our nation's great love stories and a model of shared devotion to our country. America is stronger and better for their service.'
The former First lady's stepson expressed his sadness in a tweet on Twitter saying she was now with his father
Portrait of President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan with their family at Rancho del Cielo near Santa Barbara, California, November 28, 1985. Standing (L-R): Bess Reagan, Patti Davis, Paul Grilley, Cameron Reagan, Nancy Reagan, the President, Colleen and Michael Reagan, and Neil Reagan. Foreground, (L-R): Ron, Doria, and Ashley Marie Reagan
Starting as an actress in the 1940s and 1950s, she married Ronald Reagan - then president of the Screen Actors Guild - in 1952.
Mrs Reagan was an influential First Lady during her husband's presidency from 1981 to 1989.
Notably she spearheaded the 'Just Say No' to campaign against drugs, speaking at schools and appearing on TV shows such as Dynasty and Diff'rent Strokes to promote the cause.
Dynasty star Joan Collins paid tribute to her 'friend' and said it was 'the end of an era'.
Nancy Reagan is pictured with her husband in 1984 and actress Joan Collins and Peter Holm at a state dinner for President Lusinchi of Venezuela
Joan Collins paid tribute to her 'friend' saying that it was 'the end of an era'
A hearse was parked outside the home of former First Lady Nancy Reagan in Los Angeles today
Eventually the hearse was driven away from the former First Lady's home with an escort from the California Highway Patrol
Tributes poured in from celebrities and other well-known politicians after Mrs Reagan died aged 94
Among others to take to Twitter to pay tribute was presidential hopeful Donald Trump who said she was 'the wife of a truly great president' and an 'amazing woman'.
Former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger called her one of his 'heroes' while Republican National Committee communications director Sean Spicer said: 'The world lost an amazing woman.'
Paris Hilton shared some sweet snaps on Instagram of her as a child with the former First Lady and wrote 'honored to have spent time with such an incredible woman'.
Paris Hilton shared the above snaps of her as child with the former First Lady on Instagram
Other presidential hopefuls to pay tribute to her were Bernie Sanders, Democratic presidential candidate and U.S. senator from Vermont, who said: 'Nancy Reagan was an exemplary first lady.
'Even after her time in the White House, she was an outspoken advocate for stem-cell research to find a cure for Alzheimer's. Nancy Reagan had a good heart, and she will be dearly missed.'
Ted Cruz, Republican presidential candidate and U.S. senator from Texas, said: 'Nancy Reagan will be remembered for her deep passion for this nation and love for her husband, Ronald. The Reagan family is in our prayers.'
THE REAGAN'S LOVE STORY
As tributes poured in for the much loved former First Lady, many remarked on Nancy's love and devotion to husband Ronald.
Michael Reagan, her stepson, tweeted: 'She is once again with the man she loved', while former President George W Bush also spoke about her love for her husband in a statement released on behalf of himself and his wife.
It read: 'Mrs Reagan was fiercely loyal to her beloved husband, and that devotion was matched only by her devotion to our country.'
While former President Bill Clinton remarked: '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.'
Here we look back at their relationship.
President Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan enjoy the crowd as they proceed down Pennsylvania Ave. during his Inaugural Parade after being sworn in as the 40th President of the United States on January 20, 1981
MEETING
Nancy met Ronald in 1949. While working as a young actress, the Hollywood Reporter - an industry paper - published a list of suspected Communist sympathizers.
Nancy Davis, as she was at the time, was shocked to see herself on the roll and feared it could end her career as she would be turned down for roles.
She sought advice from the director of the movie she was working on at the time, East Side West Side, to clear her name and he advised her to speak with the president of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) - Ronald Reagan.
The Reporter later issued a clarification saying it was a different Nancy Davis but she decided to still meet with Ronald.
FIRST DATE
They went to a trendy restaurant on the Sunset Strip and to a show at a nearby nightclub. Before meeting the pair had both wanted the opportunity to end the evening if things were not going well and had both told the other that they had an 'early call' the next day. As the evening progressed they decided to stay for a second show at the club and by the time the evening was oveer they both admitted that neither had calls the next day.
DATING
The pair saw each other constantly but not exclusively. Ronald was recently divorced and hesitant to get into another relationship straight away.
Mondays were a regular date night after SAG meetings where they would go out together or with other members of the board.
Ronald and Nancy Reagan cutting their wedding cake on March 4, 1952. They had married in a ceremony at the Little Brown Church in the Valley
WEDDING BELLS
The pair dated for two years until on Christmas day 1951 Ronald hinted that he intended to ask Nancy to marry him. They officially announced their engagement on February 21, 1952, and married just days later on March 4, 1952. They had a private ceremony at the Little Brown Church in the Valley. Bill Holden was Ronald's best man, and his wife, Ardis, Nancy's matron od honor. They went to the Ardens' home for dinner and wedding cake after the ceremony. They went on honeymoon at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel.
This photo from 1967 shows the Reagans with their two children, Patricia and Ronald jr
MARRIED LIFE
The newlyweds first lived in Pacific Palisades and welcomed their first daughter, Patricia Ann, on October 21, 1952. Ronald had two children, Michael and Maureen, from his first marriage that he also supported. In late 1954 Ronald begun hosting a TV program sponsored by General Electric and the company offered to help the duo build a new home on San Onofre drive in pacific Palisades. It was billed as 'The House of the Future' and in return for the assistance the couple agreed the house could be used for advertisements. It became their home for 25 years. Nancy suffered two miscarriages after Patricia's birth but finally had a son, Ronald Prescott, on May 20, 1958. In 1957 they also made the movie Hellcats of the Navy together, which was to be Nancy's last film.
A still from the 1957 movie Hellcats of the Navy which the Reagans starred in together. it was to be Nancy's last movie
POLITICAL CAREER
Ronald's political career really begun during the 1964 presidential campaign when he volunteered with hopeful Barry Goldwater. Known for giving speeches, Ronald delivered a speech to a national audience on October 27, 1964. Although Goldwater ultimately lost, Ronald's political career begun. For the next year he started traveling to see if voters would support him and on January 4, 1966, declared his candidacy for the Republican nomination for governor and went on to win the primary. Nancy was involved in his campaign from the start, making her own campaign appearances and taking questions. On January 3, 1967, Ronald was sworn in as Governor of California and they moved to the Governor's mansion in Sacramento. In 1970 he ran for and won his second term as governor. President Nixon called on him a number of times to represent the U.S. around the globe and the couple went on many trips to Europe and a visit to the Far East in 1973.
Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy in their Pacific Palisades home relaxing by the pool in August 1976
At the end of his second term the couple returned home to LA in 1975. They still had their Pacific Palisades home but had also purchased a ranch north of Santa Barbara which they would frequently return to whenever they could over the next 20 years. In 1976 some republicans were urging Ronald to run for president but despite a campaign supported by Nancy he did not have enough votes for nomination. However he didn't given up on his dream and by 1979 he was the top contender for the Republican nomination. He announced his candidacy on November 13, 1979 and on November 4, 1980, was elected the 40th president of the US.
Ronald and Nancy Reagan in front of their home Ranch Cielo near Santa Barbara California, in June 1976
LIFE AT THE WHITE HOUSE
When the Reagans moved into the White House in 1981, Nancy was surprised and disappointed at the condition of the home and embarked on a major renovation of the property. She did not want to spend public funds to do so and instead took in donations from across the country to transform it.
Putting her feet up: The Reagans enjoy a quiet moment at the White House
The A Team: First lady Nancy Reagan sitting on Mr T's lap during a White House Christmas decoration tour
First Lady Nancy Reagan dances with entertainer Frank Sinatra as U.S. President Ronald Reagan attempts to 'cut-in' in the East Room of the White House in February 1981
ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT
On March 30, 1981, an assassination attempt was made on Ronald by gunman John Hinckley Jr. He was shot under his left arm which punctured his lung and nearly hit his heart. Nancy rushed to be at her husband's side in George Washington University Hospital where he stayed for two weeks before returning to the White House.
A scene shot of the assassination attempt against Ronald Reagan on March 30, 1981
This photo taken on April 3, 1981, shows President Reagan with Nancy inside George Washington University Hospital four days after the assassination attempt on him
President Ronald Reagan (center) waves to the crowd under a 'welcome home Mr President' sign, surrounded by his family and bodyguards, as he returns to the White House after recovering from an assassination attempt
Due to the attempt on his life Ronald did not attend the British royal wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana but he encouraged his wife to do so and she spent one week in London. This is the longest she had been away from her husband in 29 years. While she was there she attended 18 events on behalf of the nation.
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, and Diana, Princess of Wales, visit Washington DC. Gala Dinner at the White House with Ronald Nancy Reagan in 1985. Nancy attended the royal wedding alone in 1981
FIGHTING CANCER
During his presidency in 1984 Ronald had colon cancer. Nancy was then diagnosed with breast cancer three years later. In her memoirs 'My Turn' Nancy referred to October 1987 as 'a terrible month'. After a regular health examination a tumor was found in her left breast. It was malignant and she had the breast removed. Thankfully medics found that the cancer had not spread.
President Ronald Reagan visits his wife, First Lady Nancy Reagan, at Bethesda Naval Hospital after her breast cancer surgery in 1987
RONALD DIAGNOSED WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
When the Reagans left the White House in 1989 and returned to California, Nancy had been looking forward to them spending their 'golden years' together however this was cut short when Ronald was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease.
By 1995 the couple joined forces with the National Alzheimer's Association by forming an Alzheimer's Association affiliate, the Ronald and Nancy Reagan research Institute.
In 2000 Nancy released a collection of letters sent to her over the years by her husband entitled 'I Love You, Ronnie - The Letters of Ronald Reagan to Nancy Reagan'.
She described the disease as 'truly a long, long goodbye'.
Throughout Ronald's ten years battling the disease Nancy was by his side as his caregiver and protector, rarely leaving his side.
He died on June 5, 2004. During his final moment when his breathing was labored he opened his eyes and gazed straight at his loving wife.
Former U.S. President Ronald Reagan is shown with former first lady Nancy Reagan in Washington in this February 6, 1993, photo
Nancy touches the casket of her husband, former US President Ronald Reagan, during his state funeral on Capitol Hill June 9, 2004, in Washington, DC
This December 9, 1988, shows President Reagan and Nancy Reagan holding hands as they go out to greet the Bushes and the Quayles after election day at the White House
*Source Reagan Foundation
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