Conservative commentator and the eldest son of the late President Ronald Reagan, Michael Reagan, has passed away at the age of 80, following a battle with cancer.
On Sunday, January 4, 2026, Reagan passed away surrounded by his entire family in Los Angeles, California. His passing was announced by The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation on social media, which referred to him as “a steadfast guardian of his father’s legacy.”
The foundation praised Reagan’s life, stating, “Michael Reagan lived a life shaped by conviction, purpose, and an abiding devotion to President Reagan’s ideals.”
Reagan was born in 1945 to Irene Flaugher and was adopted by Ronald Reagan and his then-wife, actress Jane Wyman, shortly after his birth. He had a notable career as a conservative radio talk show host on The Michael Reagan Show, a role he held for nearly two decades. He was also a contributor to the Newsmax television network.
Reagan studied at Arizona State University and Los Angeles Valley College before joining the entertainment industry like his parents. However, he later moved towards political commentary and advocacy, becoming well-known for his advocacy of conservative principles and his father’s legacy.
Reagan wrote several autobiographical books, including On the Outside Looking In and Twice Adopted, where he openly discussed his adoption and faith journey. His 2016 book, Lessons My Father Taught Me, delved into the values and principles he inherited from his father.
Beyond his career, Reagan dedicated much of his life to charitable work. He also served on the advisory board for the Mixed Roots Foundation, which addresses foster care and adoption issues.
His three-year tenure as chair of the John Douglas French Alzheimer’s Foundation board held personal significance, given his father’s battle with the disease. As president and chair of the Reagan Legacy Foundation, he worked tirelessly to uphold and preserve his father’s political philosophy and achievements.
Reagan is also remembered for his community involvement in California, often away from the public eye. He was an active participant in fundraisers at St. Mel’s Catholic school in Woodland Hills, California, and was known to engage with parents at informal gatherings.
Victor Franco, a parent who met Reagan at their children’s school, remembered his unassuming demeanor. “The cool thing about Michael is you never would have known that he was the son of a president,” Franco said. Reagan’s contributions to school events, including career days and fundraising tours of the Reagan ranch, were greatly appreciated.
Jon Fleischman, a conservative strategist who met Reagan in 1989, recalled Reagan’s ability to connect with diverse audiences. He recounted a memorable dinner with Reagan at Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant, where they were greeted by the chef himself.
Reagan leaves behind his wife, Colleen, and their two children, Cameron and Ashley. The family’s statement, released by the Young America’s Foundation, read: “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.”
The Reagan family requested privacy during their time of mourning. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation described Reagan’s passing as “a profound loss,” adding that his “presence, warmth, and unwavering commitment will be deeply missed at the Reagan Library and far beyond its walls.”