Texas Politicians Offer Condolences After Nancy Reagan's Death
Follow CBSDFW.COM: Facebook | Twitter
TEXAS (CBSDFW.COM) — Condolences have been rolling in from Texas political officials for the Reagan family since the news of former first lady Nancy Reagan's death rang out.
CBS News reported Nancy Reagan died from congestive heart failure in her Los Angeles home Sunday morning. The 94-year-old wife of former President Ronald Reagan was well-known for her 1980s "Just Say No" anti-drug campaign, in addition to her acting stint and, later in life, advocating for stem-cell research to find a cure for Alzheimer's.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott offered his condolences on Twitter.
Former President George W. Bush called Nancy Reagan "fiercely loyal" to both her husband and the country in a statement.
"Laura and I are saddened by the loss of former first lady Nancy Reagan," Bush's statement read. "Mrs. Reagan was fiercely loyal to her beloved husband, and that devotion was matched only by her devotion to our country. Her influence on the White House was complete and lasting. During her time as first lady and since, she raised awareness about drug abuse and breast cancer. When we moved into the White House, we benefited from her work to make those historic rooms beautiful. Laura and I are grateful for the life of Nancy Reagan, and we send our condolences to the entire Reagan family."
Republican presidential candidate Texas Sen. Ted Cruz noted her commitment to combating national alcohol and drug addiction and how "dedicated she was to preserving the memories of her husband," in a statement.
"Today we mourn the loss of first lady Nancy Reagan — she was first in the heart of 'Ronnie,' and of Americans across the nation who will forever be grateful for her service to the nation," Cruz's statement read. "She was her husband's first friend and counselor — and his inspiration. In her public role as first lady, she brought elegance, dignity and wisdom to the White House as she so graciously hosted dignitaries from around the world. She also poured her life into helping the afflicted, especially those gripped by drug and alcohol addiction. She pioneered programs to lift Americans out of addiction and restore hope to them and their families."
"Today, Heidi and I mourn with the Reagan family, and we lift up prayers of gratitude for the many years of devotion Nancy gave to her husband and her country," the statement continued. "We remember especially how dedicated she was to preserving the memories of her husband. She will be deeply missed. And we feel the sorrow of the nation. But we remember too that like her husband Nancy was a person of faith. Ronald Reagan said once he could not 'imagine life without her.' It is good that they are together again."
(©2016 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
