Michael Reagan Dead at 80, but Cause of Death Unclear
Michael Reagan, the son of the late President Ronald Reagan and actress Jane Wyman, has died at the age of 80.
News of Reagan's death broke on January 6, but few details were known. According to ABC 7, he died in Los Angeles on Sunday, January 4, surrounded by his family. "Michael was and will always remain a beloved husband, father, and grandpa," the family told the television station. "Our hearts are deeply broken as we grieve the loss of a man who meant so much to all who knew and loved him."
How did Reagan die?
Michael Reagan's Cause of Death Was Not Released
(Photo by Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images)
Michael Reagan's cause of death was not immediately clear.
"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," the foundation wrote on X. "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.
— Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute (@RonaldReagan) January 6, 2026
Michael Reagan lived a life shaped by conviction, purpose, and an abiding… pic.twitter.com/Y4VX9M8nsb
Michael Reagan was a commentator and strategist.
How Many Children Did Ronald Reagan Have?
Ronald Reagan had five kids with two wives, Wyman and Nancy Reagan.
Where is Reagan's daughter Patti Davis now? As recently as 2024, she was speaking out about family trauma and a new memoir.
Reagan and Nancy also had a son together, Ron Reagan Jr.
Michael Reagan was adopted by Reagan and Wyman, his first wife. Jane and Reagan also had a daughter together named Maureen Reagan.
Who was the fifth child? A daughter named Christine, born to Reagan and Wyman, but she did not live past birth.
Did Michael Reagan Have a Wife & Kids?
Michael Reagan was married twice. He was still married to wife Colleen at the time of his death, and he is survived by two kids, Ashley and Cameron Reagan.
Former Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, president of the Young America's Foundation, wrote a tribute to Michael Reagan on X.
"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 wrote.
"...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," Walker wrote. "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."
Walker continued: "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."