Nancy Reagan, born Anne Frances Robbins on July 6, 1921, in New York City, was an American actress and the wife of the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan. She served as First Lady of the United States from January 20, 1981, to January 20, 1989, during which time she became known for her devotion to her husband and her work in various social initiatives. Nancy passed away on March 6, 2016, at the age of 94.
Before her time as First Lady, Nancy pursued a career in acting. She appeared in numerous films and television shows, and it was during her time in Hollywood that she met her future husband, Ronald Reagan. The couple married on March 4, 1952, and had two children, Patti and Ron Jr.
As First Lady, Nancy focused on several key initiatives, the most well-known being her “Just Say No” campaign against drug abuse. Launched in 1982, the program aimed to raise awareness of the dangers of drug use and encourage young people to reject drugs. She traveled extensively throughout the country, speaking at schools and community centers, and her efforts contributed to a national conversation on drug prevention.
Nancy also played a significant role in the restoration and preservation of the White House. She led a comprehensive effort to renovate and refurbish the historic building, raising private funds to complete the project. The restoration aimed to create a more welcoming environment for the public and ensure the White House remained a symbol of American history and elegance.
Throughout her time in the White House, Nancy was a devoted partner to her husband, both publicly and privately. She was known for her strong influence on the President, offering guidance and support behind the scenes. Many credited her with helping to humanize Ronald Reagan, softening his image and making him more relatable to the American public.
Nancy faced several challenges during her time as First Lady, including the attempted assassination of her husband in 1981, which deeply affected her. She became increasingly concerned with his safety and well-being and was known to consult astrologers to help plan his schedule.
After leaving the White House, Nancy continued her work on drug prevention and remained an influential figure in American politics. She played a significant role in advocating for research on Alzheimer’s disease, following her husband’s diagnosis in 1994. Nancy stood by Ronald’s side throughout his battle with the illness until his death in 2004.
Nancy Reagan’s legacy as First Lady is one of steadfast devotion to her husband, as well as her tireless efforts to address social issues and preserve American history. Her contributions continue to impact the lives of many and serve as an inspiration for future generations.
Below, you will find FBI files relating to Nancy Reagan, as released to The Black Vault. More files are being processed, and this page will be update when available.
Document Archive
FBI Files on Nancy Reagan – FBI Release #1 – [341 Pages, 31MB]
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