Michael Reagan, 80, the eldest son of the late President Ronald Reagan and actress Jane Wyman, died on Sunday. His death was just announced on Tuesday by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute.
The Associated Press reported: Reagan was a contributor to the conservative Newsmax television network and was known for his talk radio program, “The Michael Reagan Show.”
Reagan was born to Irene Flaugher in 1945 and adopted just hours after his birth by Ronald Reagan and his then-wife, actor Jane Wyman.
The young Reagan followed in his parents’ footsteps.
After attending Arizona State University and Los Angeles Valley College, Reagan took up acting, playing in television shows including “Falcon Crest,” and he spent nearly two decades as a conservative radio talk show host, speaking of politics and culture.
ABC News explained: Michael Reagan died following a battle with cancer, according to Andrew Coffin, vice president of the Young America’s Foundation and director of the Reagan Ranch.
The Young America’s Foundation released the following statement on behalf of the Reagan family:
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Edward Reagan. 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.”
A message from the Reagan family: pic.twitter.com/BTF5anmXBL
— YAF (@yaf) January 6, 2026
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation released the following statement:
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute mourns the passing of Michael Reagan, the eldest son of President Ronald Reagan and Jane Wyman, and 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.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Colleen, Cameron, Ashley, and the entire Reagan family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this time of sorrow.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute mourns the passing of Michael Reagan, the eldest son of President Ronald Reagan and Jane Wyman, and a steadfast guardian of his father’s legacy.
Michael Reagan lived a life shaped by conviction, purpose, and an abiding… pic.twitter.com/Y4VX9M8nsb
— Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute (@RonaldReagan) January 6, 2026
Former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker wrote:
Michael Reagan was such a wonderful inspiration to so many of us. That was particularly true of the students who heard him at Young America’s Foundation’s programs at the Reagan Ranch.
He did so much more than share stories about his father. He challenged the next generation to share the values he stood for throughout his public life. He called on them to be happy warriors in the battle to uphold the founding principles of our republic.
Years ago, I first got to know Michael Reagan by listening to his radio show while driving to and from the State Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin. I enjoyed his insights on the news of the day.
Years later, I got to know him personally after becoming president of Young America’s Foundation. He was a fixture at our student programs in California. Michael and his family frequently returned to Rancho del Cielo for public and private events.
He and his daughter, Ashley, also headlined the very first program YAF hosted in Dixon, Illinois, following our acquisition of the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home.
Michael and I last spoke on December 22, 2025. He told me about his health issues and shared that he was optimistic about a follow-up visit with his medical team soon after the start of the year.
Unfortunately for all of us, the Good Lord decided to call him home sooner. That said, he and I also discussed his faith and devotion to Jesus. That should give us all comfort during this difficult time as he is with the Lord.
Tonette and I send our love and prayers to Colleen, Cameron, Ashley, and the rest of their family. We also pass on the same from the students, families, supporters, staff, and board of Young America’s Foundation.
Governor Scott Walker
President, Young America’s Foundation
Michael Reagan was such a wonderful inspiration to so many of us. That was particularly true of the students who heard him at Young America’s Foundation’s programs at the Reagan Ranch.
He did so much more than share stories about his father. He challenged the next generation… pic.twitter.com/bq6LiaHe9Z
— Scott Walker (@ScottWalker) January 6, 2026
Reagan had been active on social media as recently as January 2.
On January 1, he wrote, “My New Year Resolution is no IPad or Cell phone at Meals..Visit with family and friends on your phone or iPad…Happy New Year.”
My New Year Resolution is no IPad or Cell phone at Meals..Visit with family and friends on your phone or iPad…Happy New Year
— Michael Reagan (@ReaganWorld) January 1, 2026
On December 31, Reagan voiced his concern about New York City getting a socialist mayor.
“We are losing America and it seems nobody cares enough… ” he warned.
We are losing America and it seems
nobody cares enough to her…https://t.co/RCjS4UPWw9— Michael Reagan (@ReaganWorld) January 1, 2026
The next day he added, “I am going to enjoy the day with Football & Family and try not to think about New York unless it is with Prayer..God Bless.”
I am going to enjoy the day with Football & Family and try not to think about New York unless it is with Prayer..God Bless..@CollegeGameDay @ESPNCFB @CFBPlayoff
— Michael Reagan (@ReaganWorld) January 1, 2026
Many tributes for Reagan are being posted on social media:
So sad to learn of the passing of Michael Reagan. We became friends in 1979 campaigning for our dads and maintained that friendship over the years. He loved his family and his country. Columba and I are praying for Colleen and his children.
— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) January 6, 2026
President Reagan‘s son Michael has passed at age 80. An inspiring conservative and a fine radio host. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/4EFLtQNjAH
— Mark Davis (@MarkDavis) January 6, 2026
Saddened to hear the news of the passing of Michael Reagan, adopted son of President Ronald Reagan. My late husband Steve Walsh took this photo on the steps of the Missouri Capitol 16 years ago, after he introduced him to me. Lifting his family up in prayer. 🙏🏻🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/5eDjYFU2TI
— Sara Rachel Walsh (@SaraForMissouri) January 6, 2026
I am so sorry to hear just now that Michael Reagan has passed away. He was such a great patriot. My deepest condolences to his family. May he RIP.https://t.co/x4RGYYUazX
— Mark R. Levin (@marklevinshow) January 6, 2026
Crushed to hear the news of Michael Reagan’s passing. What a life he led and always with a huge smile. RIP to one of the best. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/yeWZXC0Ej8
— Katie Pavlich (@KatiePavlich) January 6, 2026
It is with great sadness that I learned today about the passing of my great friend Michael Reagan. I first got to know Michael when I was a host at KVI Radio during the 1990’s. He was a pioneer and one of the best hosts in the pinnacle years of talk radio.
In 2001, I left radio… pic.twitter.com/fiora8VHkp
— Floyd Brown (@floydbrown) January 6, 2026
‘DEEPLY MISSED’: Michael Reagan, the eldest son of former President Ronald Reagan and actress Jane Wyman, has died at 80.
Reagan was a conservative author, nationally syndicated radio talk show host, and frequent public speaker who spent decades actively defending and promoting… pic.twitter.com/o5mzZVwVJt
— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 6, 2026
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