Michael Reagan, commentator and president’s son, dies at 80

Ronald Reagan’s eldest son, Michael, died on Sunday in Los Angeles, surrounded by his family, according to a family statement. The 80-year-old died of cancer, according to a statement from the director of the Reagan Ranch. Michael Edward Reagan was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, said his wife Colleen and children Cameron and Ashley.

Reagan was a guardian of his father’s legacy and lived a life devoted to his father’s ideals, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute said on Tuesday. He was also a contributor to conservative news outlet Newsmax and president of the Reagan Legacy Foundation. Before leading the foundation, he hosted a nationally syndicated talk show that drew over 5 million listeners, according to his biography on Newsmax. Reagan also authored several books and set world records in powerboat racing in the 1980s.

Reagan was a practicing Catholic who referred to his faith as a cornerstone of his life. He was devoted to Jesus, former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker wrote on Tuesday. 

Dig deeper: Read Carolina Lumetta’s report on the death of Republican congressman Doug LaMalfa.