Michael Reagan, the eldest son of President Ronald Reagan and a conservative commentator, died at age 80, his family announced on January 6, 2026.
Reagan died Sunday, January 4, 2026, in Los Angeles, California, surrounded by family, according to a statement from the Reagan family released through Young America’s Foundation.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Edward Reagan,” the family said.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute announced Reagan’s death, calling him 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,” the foundation said.
Reagan died following a battle with cancer, according to Andrew Coffin of Young America’s Foundation.
Reagan was born to Irene Flaugher on March 18, 1945, and adopted hours after birth by Ronald Reagan and his then-wife, actress Jane Wyman. The adoption in 1945 marked the beginning of a life deeply intertwined with one of America’s most recognizable political families.
Following in his adopted parents’ footsteps, Reagan attended Arizona State University and Los Angeles Valley College before working as an actor in television. His acting credits included appearances on “Falcon Crest,” the popular primetime soap opera set in California wine country.
Reagan spent nearly two decades as a conservative radio talk show host. He became known for “The Michael Reagan Show,” where he discussed politics and culture from a conservative perspective. He also worked as a contributor to the Newsmax television network.
Throughout his career, Reagan wrote several autobiographical works. In “On the Outside Looking in” and “Twice Adopted,” he detailed what was at times a difficult childhood, including coming to terms with his adoption and his journey of faith. His 2016 book “Lessons My Father Taught Me” explored lessons he learned growing up as the son of Ronald Reagan.
Beyond media work, Reagan dedicated significant time to charitable causes. He used powerboat racing as a means of fundraising for multiple organizations, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and Statue of Liberty Restoration Fund. His involvement in powerboat racing combined his personal interests with philanthropic goals, raising substantial funds for medical research and historic preservation.
Reagan sat on the advisory board for Mixed Roots Foundation, an organization focused on foster care and adoption in the United States and globally. His personal experience as an adoptee informed his advocacy work in this area.
He served as chair of the John Douglas French Alzheimer’s Foundation board for three years. The work held personal significance, as he focused on the same disease his father succumbed to in 2004.
As president and chair of the Reagan Legacy Foundation, Reagan championed his father’s legacy. The foundation works to preserve and promote the principles and policies associated with President Reagan’s administration, including efforts to scale back government and devotion to winning the Cold War.
Fred Ryan, chairman of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute board, said Reagan was a successful author, nationally syndicated radio talk show host, and sought-after public speaker who used his voice to champion freedom, personal responsibility, and the principles that defined his father’s presidency.
Scott Walker, president of Young America’s Foundation, described Reagan as a wonderful inspiration to many. “He did so much more than share stories about his father,” Walker said in a statement. “He challenged the next generation to share the values he stood for throughout his public life.”
Reagan’s role in conservative media and politics extended beyond simply being the son of a president. He carved out his own identity as a commentator and advocate, building a career that spanned multiple decades in radio, television, and public speaking.
Reagan was part of a family that included his sister Maureen Reagan, who became a political activist before her death.
Reagan was married to Colleen Reagan, and they had two children, Ashley Reagan and Cameron Reagan. He is survived by his wife and their family, leaving behind a legacy both as a member of one of America’s most prominent political families and as an individual who built his own career in conservative media and philanthropy.
The Reagan family requested privacy during this difficult time, expressing gratitude for prayers while asking that their space for grieving be respected.
