March 6, 2016, marks the day when Nancy Reagan passed away from congestive heart failure. People remember Nancy Reagan mostly for being the wife of President Ronald Reagan, but she was much more than just a wife of a president.
Before a life in politics, Nancy Reagan was a 1950s Hollywood actress. The most renowned films that she starred in were: “Shadow on the Wall”, “East Side, West Side”, and “Talk About a Stranger”. The media and the cameras could not get enough of Nancy Reagan, following her to Ronald Reagan’s path to the presidency as a governor in California. At a press conference for Reagan, she notably wore a red suit. People have coined the term “Reagan Red” to describe her outfits. In the 1960s, wearing such colors is an open door to criticism and Nancy Reagan, by wearing these outfits, proves her strength and boldness in regards to behaving independently regardless of people’s reactions.
Her boldness continues as she stands next to Ronald Reagan in his presidency. She redefined the role of a First Lady, helping President Reagan both personally and politically. Nancy Reagan was a loyal supporter and her support carried Ronald Reagan during his presidency.
Another contribution of hers was the “Just Say No” campaign to raise drug awareness. From this campaign, she helped the youth of America resist the peer pressure of taking drugs. Besides helping the youth of America with drug awareness, millions of women continue being inspired by Nancy Reagan because she cared for and loved her husband while obtaining separate goals and motivations.
While continuing to inspire others daily, Nancy never lost sight of her true motivations and goals in being a loyal wife to her husband and family. When her husband passed away in 2004, she continues being the strong independent women people saw.
Donating money to research Alzheimer’s disease after her Husbands death in 2004, Nancy Reagan wanted to prevent others from feeling the deep sadness that she experienced after the loss of her husband to the disease.
The death of Nancy Reagan brings pain to those who loved her, but even after her death, she continues to be an inspiration to millions, proving that all it takes is guts and courage to do something amazing. Nancy Reagan now rests alongside Ronald Reagan at the “Ronald Reagan Presidential Library” in California.