Michael Reagan, the eldest son of former President Ronald Reagan, died at the age of 80, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute announced Jan. 6.
Fred Ryan, the foundation’s chairman, called him a “steadfast guardian of his father’s legacy,” according to the news release.
“Michael used his voice to champion freedom, personal responsibility, and the principles that defined his father’s presidency,” Ryan said. “Yet beyond his professional accomplishments, Michael was, above all, a devoted son and a deeply loyal friend to the Reagan Foundation and Institute.”
Reagan was a founding analyst and columnist for the conservative news network Newsmax, according to a statement from the network.
“Michael Reagan was far more than a political commentator. He was the living embodiment of his father’s legacy, and throughout his life he worked tirelessly to carry forward Ronald Reagan’s torch for freedom, family, and faith,” Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy said.
A cause of death was not immediately provided.