The Reagans (1966)

Former actors Ronald and Nancy Reagan pose for a photograph outside a polling booth after voting in the June 1966 California primary. Ronald began his journey to the white house after this election. He was elected the governor of the state the same year, and became the president of the US in 1981.

After retiring to their California home in 1989, Nancy spent most of her time caring for her husband, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 1994. He died at the age of 93 in 2004. She died at 94 on March 6. The following is a letter Ronald wrote for Nancy in 1977.

“Dear St. Valentine,

I’m writing to you about a beautiful young lady who has been in this household for 25 years now—come March 4.
I have a request to make of you but before doing so feel you should know more about her. For one thing she has 2 hearts—her own and mine. I’m not complaining. I gave her mine willingly, and like it right where it is. Her name is Nancy but for some time now I’ve called her Mommie and don’t believe I could change.

My request of you is—could you on this day whisper in her ear that someone loves her very much and more and more each day? Also tell her, this “Someone” would run down like a dollar clock without her so she must always stay where she is.”