Nevada’s governor, congressional officials mourn death of Nancy Reagan

Nevada’s governor and congressional officials mourned Nancy Reagan on Sunday, remembering the former first lady for her national service and devotion to her husband, President Ronald Reagan.

Nancy Reagan died at age 94 at her home in Los Angeles.

In a statement Sunday, Gov. Brian Sandoval remembered Reagan as “a champion in the war on drugs, a breast cancer survivor, and a frequent visitor to Nevada during the Reagans’ long friendship with former Senator Paul Laxalt.”

“Nancy Reagan was the loyal pillar of strength, support and confidence for one of our nation’s greatest presidents,” Sandoval said in his statement. “The storybook romance between Nancy and President Reagan can be defined as one of the great love stories of the century. Fiercely committed and dedicated to her partner in life, President Reagan, she served as a source of grace through adversity, strength in the face of doubt and comfort during times of grief.”

Attorney General Adam Laxalt expressed sadness at Reagan’s passing.

“Nancy Reagan was an iconic First Lady for our country who helped countless Americans with her commitment to a better America that she shared with her husband President Reagan,” Laxalt said. “During the course of her time as California’s First Lady and President Reagan’s first run for president in 1976, she and my grandfather became especially close. I am saddened by her passing, and my thoughts and prayers go out to her family and all those who were touched by her amazing life.”

Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Cresent Hardy, R-Nev., honored the contributions of the former first lady and her husband.

“Nancy and Ronald Reagan showed a nation the positive influence that one patriotic and committed couple can have on the communities they love and call home,” he said in a statement. “From their days in California to the halls of the White House, our 40th President knew that his wife was his most valuable and trusted companion.”

Hardy also cited the legacy as first lady and later in life.

“Her personal contributions — whether campaigning for America’s youth to ‘Just say no’ to drugs or her later pursuits for improved mental health treatments — will touch the lives of all Americans for generations to come,” he said.

U.S. Rep. Joe Heck, R-Nev., remembered the former first lady’s commitment to public service. saying she represented the nation with dignity and strength.

“From her influence in the White House, to her leadership on combatting drug use, to her advocacy on Alzheimer’s disease, Mrs. Reagan was a tireless public servant,” said Heck, who is running for a U.S. Senate seat, in a statement.

Heck later added that President Reagan “famously wrote of Nancy that he ‘would run down like a dollar clock without her.’ I hope their family can take solace in the thought of these two admirable individuals together again. Rest in peace, Mrs. Reagan.”